Scripture

Our verse for today comes from Mark 14:19, “And they began to be sorrowful and to say to Him one by one, ‘Is it I?'”

Background

There is that familiar warning to be careful whenever you point a finger of blame at someone, for invariably three fingers are pointing back at yourself. But even so, if the Lord’s final Passover scene was played out among us today, I believe that’s exactly what would happen. Rather than the disciples wondering if each of them was himself the one Jesus had predicted would betray Him, each of us would be trying to figure out which one of the others was the guilty one. The last thought to cross our minds would be that we might possibly be the one who would fail. And that’s really no great surprise, is it? Our egos don’t fancy the thought of throwing themselves under the bus. When someone is at fault, we tend to view our shortcomings or slip-ups as merely par for the course, the norm that any rational person might expect, and probably better than most people like ourselves. Surely the real culprit is the other guy who has serious issues.

Application

But what if we did seriously consider that we might be the one at fault? Is it possible that you might have more to do with the problem than the other person? Could the outbursts from your child be rooted in something you are failing at? Is something around the home still unresolved because you have dropped the ball? The person with the loudest voice or the best argument isn’t always faultless. I know when I look to blame or refuse to take responsibility, my life takes on a sense of inconsequence. I feel empty, small, as if I’ve kicked the Holy Spirit right out of my heart. Conversely, there is amazing power and strength when I ask, “Is it I?” rather than “Why didn’t you?” And when we stop blaming and take God off the witness stand, we become in awe of who He is and what He’s done, even as we know the answer to our own, unpleasant questions. Is it I? Without a doubt. But from His perspective, there’s no more blame to spread.

Charge

As we seek Him today, ask God to help you ask the right questions. And take the initiative in the areas where your humility might be the best, first step. Have a splendid day.

Salvation – Eternal Life in Less Than 150 Words