February 2021
Nougat 4
Hello
Did I ever share the definition of ‘wagonnist’ with you? It basically speaks of persons who follow popular trends or causes without fully grasping the nuances of the cause. Thus, when the next cause or danger comes along, the person jumps ship. As you chew today’s Holy Nougat
“For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” Matthew 16:25 ESV
Jesus’ comment comes within the context of Peter’s uninformed though passionate denial of Jesus’ prophecy regarding His death at Calvary.
Peter was confident that his reassurance to Jesus proved his loyalty. He understood Jesus. He even recognized Jesus’ true identity when others were unwilling to affirm Jesus as both Messiah and Son of God. Logic says that a messiah can’t be vanquished; most definitely NOT God. It went against the narrative of deities and conquerors of the day. Even the Torah presented God as ALL Mighty and ALL Powerful. Death was not an option for such a person or deity!
Jesus’ declaration not only disrupted the status quo; it also threatened ALL that Peter and the disciples thought they were upholding. By following a defeated ‘savior’, the disciples were at risk of being punished to the full extent of the law for insurrection. Jesus couldn’t die! And most definitely not without a fight! No one pledges allegiance to a self-proclaimed defeated savior.
In his loyalty and passion; Peter missed a crucial point – it was Jesus Who made the prophesy ‘against’ Himself. No one else had. No one else could. You see, Peter – like several of us – did NOT grasp the significance of Isaiah 55:8-9; that God’s ways and thoughts are far more evolved than ours and often beyond our comprehension. Nor did he make the link between Isaiah’s prophecies of the Suffering Servant and Jesus the Messiah Who walked with them, taught them and performed miracles regularly. He didn’t ‘get’ the Beatitudes. Many of us don’t either.
We are prepared to follow and proclaim the Conquering Lion of the Tribe of Judah, Who Jesus is; but we cannot pledge allegiance to The Lamb slain on Calvary, Who Jesus also is. For following the Lamb requires Death: Denying ourselves, Taking our own cross to Follow. That is, voluntarily choosing to LOSE our selves (literally and figuratively) for the sake of Christ.
Wagonnist or Disciple? Hmmm 
In Christ’s love and grace . . .