It’s Easter Saturday. A day of stillness, and the beginning of the celebrations that Jesus is not dead. It is a time of joy. If you choose to believe…
Reflecting back on the Easter story, it strikes me how much choice plays a part. I don’t mean Jesus’ choice to endure the cross in order to save mankind, that still boggles the mind. I mean the choice to turn to Jesus or not.
Peter and Judas, both betray Jesus. Judas leads the soldiers to him, Peter denies knowing him and abandons him. Peter chooses to run towards Jesus, searching for mercy. Judas chooses to run away from Jesus, searching for an escape.
Two criminals are crucified along with Jesus, one on his right and one on his left. Both are rightly fully convicted of a crime. One chooses to mock Jesus, speaking perhaps out of fear of dying, or maybe anger at the circumstances. He mocks Jesus, challenging to save them all. The other points out that they deserve their fate, Jesus doesn’t. Then he asks Jesus to remember him. He chooses to accept instead of challenge.
All four of these men made bad choices. But two of them also made good choices – they chose Jesus. The other two… well, they didn’t choose Jesus.
We also have a choice. When we make a bad decision, we can let it consume us or try to run away from it. Or we can chooses Jesus, turn to him for mercy and grace. He won’t force us. He let’s us choose to run. But he will be waiting with open arms if we choose to return. Just look at the story of the prodigal son.
So whatever bad decisions you have made or will make, one good decision can wipe them out. Peter and the repentant criminal found that out. Follow their example. Choose Jesus.
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