April 20   Easter Day, Jesus is Risen!

"Jesus did not contend for His rights. Often His work was made unnecessarily severe because He was willing and uncomplaining. Yet He did not fail nor become discouraged. He lived above these difficulties, as if in the light of God's countenance. He did not retaliate when roughly used, but bore insult patiently."

          Desire of Ages, page 90 from the chapter, 'Days of Conflict'

     There have been times when I have encouraged members to take assertiveness training. I’m not so sure that is what is called for here. Jesus was not being a doormat. When confronted with difficulty Jesus did not simply roll over and give in.

     The reason why I suggest this is that continual rebukes with no personal response leads to resentment. Jesus bore no one resentment. He chose, at a later date of course, to die for those who abused him.

     There is another reason why Jesus did not need assertiveness training. We have already seen that Jesus was perfectly capable of letting the people around Him know the extent of the limits He chose to adopt. His response was to use the Word of God to answer His critics.

     What is significant is the teaching for us. The final note in the paragraph has these words, “He did not retaliate”. Jesus stood up for His Father, Jesus could assert Himself. Jesus did not bite back. Neither should we.

Bryn has selected a song that really suits Easter Sunday. Please take note of the chorus.  Bryn has chosen, ‘Love was in the room’ by Bill and Gloria Gaither. Click on the picture to listen.