Arresting God

September 25

(Luke 22:49-54 NIV) ““When Jesus' followers saw what was going to happen, they said, "Lord, should we strike with our swords?" {50} And one of them struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear. {51} But Jesus answered, "No more of this!" And he touched the man's ear and healed him. {52} Then Jesus said to the chief priests, the officers of the temple guard, and the elders, who had come for him, "Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come with swords and clubs? {53} Every day I was with you in the temple courts, and you did not lay a hand on me. But this is your hour--when darkness reigns." {54} Then seizing him, they led him away and took him into the house of the high priest. Peter followed at a distance.””

(Acts 7:48-56 NIV) ““However, the Most High does not live in houses made by men. As the prophet says: {49} "'Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. What kind of house will you build for me? says the Lord. Or where will my resting place be? {50} Has not my hand made all these things?' {51} "You stiff-necked people, with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You are just like your fathers: You always resist the Holy Spirit! {52} Was there ever a prophet your fathers did not persecute? They even killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One. And now you have betrayed and murdered him-- {53} you who have received the law that was put into effect through angels but have not obeyed it." {54} When they heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. {55} But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. {56} "Look," he said, "I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.””

It was a dark night when a mob of human beings arrested God. Think about that – God’s creation in open rebellion, arresting the Creator and holding Him prisoner. They operated in darkness, as light would have exposed their evil deeds and illumined their naked insurrection. They came with swords and clubs as though numbers alone would not suffice. If you look at their faces you’ll see they are the same people who wanted to rape the Lord’s angels in Sodom. They are the same people who picked up rocks to stone the woman caught in adultery. They are the same people who gnashed their teeth and killed the prophet Stephen. They are the same people who tried to kill Paul at the temple in Jerusalem. In the darkness, their outlines look vaguely familiar -- and if you look long enough, it will eventually dawn on you that they look a lot like you and me. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day