Dr. Barclay with Something to Think About - AWARE

 AWARE

Does it ever amaze you when the Bible indicates that the people who should have been the most aware of the events unfolding during the time of Christ seemed, in fact, to be those least in tune with the happenings?

For example, when Christ was born, it was the Magi who reported to Herod that:

…we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.

(Matthew 2:2)

Even though the priests and scribes of Judea were aware of the prophecies, it was apparently the Magi who really understood what was happening. Why were Persians more in tune with events than the Israelites? 

Even when Christ was teaching and healing it was evident that:

He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him.

(John 1:11)

At the time of Jesus’ crucifixion, it became more evident what was happening and then pride seemed to step in and snuff out this awareness for the chief priests and Pharisees said to Pilate:

“…command that the tomb be made secure until the third day, 

lest His disciples come by night and steal Him away,

 and say to the people, ‘He has risen from the dead.’ 

So the last deception will be worse than the first.” 

(Matthew 27:64) 

Perhaps it’s not so surprising that so many who should have been aware of who Christ really was were not. It is evident that even Jesus’ own family had no faith in the reality of who Christ really was. For the belief that was lacking in the religious officials was also lacking in Jesus’ own siblings.

For even His brothers did not believe in Him. 

(John 7:5)

Apparently, it was because of such unbelief among the Jewish people that we, as Gentiles, have been incorporated into God’s family. It is true that Paul was chosen to bring the gospel to the Gentiles.

…he [Paul] is a chosen vessel of Mine 

to bear My name before Gentiles, 

kings, and the children of Israel. 

(Acts 9:15)

It was, however, also apparently because of the failure of the Israelites to recognize who Jesus really was that lead to God saying:

I will call them My people, who were not My People, 

And her beloved, who was not beloved. 

(Romans 9:25)

And then for Paul to write:

…That Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, 

have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness of faith; 

but Israel, pursuing the law of righteousness, 

has not attained to the law of righteousness…

Because they did not seek it by faith… 

(Romans 9:30-32)

Even the Roman soldier who was at the crucifixion became aware of the person Jesus really was when he said:

“Truly this man was the Son of God!” 

(Matthew 27:54)

There are other instances as well where those who should have been the most aware of the reality of Christ were ignorant and others who were less involved seemed to be more alert to His real nature. And does the same exist even today? It seems that those peoples and countries who have the most available information and freedom to utilize that knowledge are the least aware of His nature. In contrast, those areas which seem most remote from the gospel are those in which people seem to be more aware of Christ than ever before. Is this what the statement in 2 Thessalonians really means?

Let no one deceive you by any means; 

for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first… 

(2 Thessalonians 2:3)

Being aware or unaware of who Christ really is will play a great part in our overall future.

It really is something to think about.