Traveling the Rock Road

I remember that hot summer night back in 1970; I had just gotten my license, had a car and two of my buddies and I were enjoying the rite of passage that every teenager looks forward to, cruising up and down the streets of our hometown without adult supervision.

What an awesome time to be young and alive, we were rulers of our destiny and every moment was made for a new adventure. We were riding on State St., the main drag of Fremont just like all the other road warriors of the time listening to the radio, singing along and just having a great time being young. As we were driving through a local park we spotted two upper classmen we recognized walking along the road. “Hey, give us ride,” one called out. They climbed in and we were on top of the world, two popular seniors wanting to hang out with us for the night; couldn’t wait for everyone to see us all together. This is gonna be awesome I thought; well as today’s young generation puts it, “Not!”

When they got in you could smell the alcohol from them drinking and we hoped they’d buy us some, but one said, “Let’s just drive.” There was eeriness on how quiet they were as we tried to make conversation to no avail. My friend Jim who was riding in the back seat with them thought maybe a little show and tell would break the ice; “Hey guys, take a look at this,” and he pulled a 4-inch switchblade out of his pocket and flicked it open. “Let me see that,” the one said, so he handed it to him. “Pretty cool, huh?” Jim said. “Yeah, our older companion answered back; “Pretty cool.” None of us were prepared for what happened next. After holding it close to his face for a minute as if studying the knife from every angle, he suddenly lunged forward and grabbed Dave, the front passenger by the head and slammed him into the back of the seat. He then placed the shiny steel blade against his neck and in a loud almost devilish voice said, “I’m going to kill you!” “Come on, quit messing around,” Dave protested. “Messing around, who’s messing around?!!” screamed this wild man who was fully out of control now; “I said I’m going to kill you and I mean I’m going to kill you!” All of us were frozen with fear, even the other guy acted like he had never before seen his friend like this. I wanted to stop the car, but I feared any sudden move would cause this nut job to cut Dave either accidentally or on purpose. I felt completely helpless as the ranting continued. “I’m going to kill you, are you scared, are you?!! Here it comes, are you ready to die, tell me are you afraid, fear me, are you scared?!!” “Yes, I’m afraid!” Dave finally screamed out, “No, I don’t want to die!” With that the attacker let out a blood curdling scream, let go of Dave, sat back in the seat then folded and handed the knife back to Jim, and in a calm voice said, “Okay.” Then he and his buddy broke into hysterical laughter while the three of us sat quietly and emotionally spent; just couldn’t see any amusement in what just happened. “Let us out at the next corner,” I was ordered. When I came to a stop I reached for a cigarette, but could hardly get it between my lips from shaking so bad. Leaning over the seat our knife wielding lunatic clicked his lighter on and lit the end of my smoke. “Beats a knife to the throat huh?” he said with a chuckle. Giving me a slap on the shoulder and a “Thanks for the ride,” they disappeared into the night. I slapped the car into “B for Boogie” and got away from there as fast as I could. So much for the thrill of new adventures!

“The presence of fear does not mean you have no faith. Fear visits everyone. But make your fear a visitor and not a resident.” Max Lucado

I never saw this guy again, but years later I would revisit that harrowing night in my mind, and it finally occurred to me what really happened back then. I don’t believe it was ever this person’s intention to harm my pal Dave; I’m convinced there was something more important he was after. He needed to see and hear the fear Dave had in his heart thinking he might die any minute, believing he had the power of life and death in his hands. Once his thirst for the torment and terror was quenched, he was satisfied.

Over time I have met many that feed their ego by holding others captive either physically or emotionally using fear as their weapon. I know because I also was a prisoner once terrified of what one man might do to me. What finally broke those chains is when I stopped giving over to what he wanted, for me to fear him. For a time the abuse continued, but when he realized whether he hurt me or not, I would no longer be afraid of him; his grip on my life was severed.

Before I was a Christian, I had a fear of the unknown, what would happen to me at the end of life. When I discovered Christ, I discovered there wasn’t anything to be afraid of. Isaiah 41:10 says, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

And in Deuteronomy 31:6, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Matter of fact over 300 times in the Bible we are told to “Fear not.” Where we haven’t the strength, God does. And with Him on our side, no matter what, in the end we win!!!

“Travelers of the Rock Road,” fear is out there waiting at anytime to ensnare all of us. The question then is do we become enslaved to fear, or do we draw on our strength to overcome?

For the ones who call themselves Believers, it can be summed up like this; “The LORD is my light and my salvation– whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life– of whom shall I be afraid?” Knowing God in on my side, I’ve only got two words for you fear mongers, “BRING IT!!!”

Just a side note, from that day forth I’m been more selective about who I give rides to. And if one was ever to ask, “Hey, you got a knife on you?” NO!!!

See ya next time.

I haven’t felt good the last few days so I’m not writing my typical blog story, but I felt compelled to have something since I made reference to this week in my last story “Lucky?”

As I have mentioned several times in the past, I grew up in an abusive lifestyle at the hands of my great-uncle and I hated it, and in turn I hated him for what he did to me. Even years after this man died the thought of him would bring anger and animosity to my very soul causing the hurt to return once more, only mentally which can be just as painful, if not more, than that of physical abuse. Even though he was gone he would often abuse me once again, only this time it was not by what he was doing, but what I was doing, in other words remembering and reliving the cruelty all over again. With the help of others, especially my Lady, and the guidance of the Lord through prayer and the Word, I found the key to finally escaping the brutal hand of this; and that key, forgiveness.

“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:31-32. It was when I realized that what I needed to do for my Great-Uncle, Jesus had already done for me, forgive. C.S. Lewis puts it like this; “To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable, because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you.”

It wasn’t easy and it took more than once, perhaps more than a hundred times, but God finally gave me peace and forgiveness toward this man; the hate and the hurt was finally gone! Now this would be a good place to end the story, another leg of “Traveling the Rock Road” completed; only there’s one more twist and turn on this trek of life trail.

Over the years as I’ve thought of this man, I often asked the question of myself whether there is anything positive I can point to that I got from him. Could I say to someone, “Yeah, he was cruel, but I did learn this from him.” Sadly, to no avail; there wasn’t one positive quality I could pinpoint, so I prayed. “God please show me something good I can say about my Uncle, if for no other reason then at least to help with healing.” Then it came to me, something very important I missed entirely.

Philippians 3:13 says;    “Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead,”

One person put it this way; “Mistakes have the power to turn you into something better than you were before.”

What came to me was not what my Uncle did, but what he didn’t do. It goes without saying I did not like his actions, it was wrong how he treated me and other people for that matter. He never taught me the right way to treat others, but I learned anyway by doing the opposite. Lewis wrote that we all have the ability to understand right and wrong instinctively, it was then up to us what we did with it. For me I chose to learn right from an injustice. As the years went on and Cathy and I raised a family, I made every effort to treat them in a way they would want from dad, with love.

I used to tell them “Take anything that I’ve done wrong and make it right, take what I’ve done right, and make it better.”

That’s all I had to say tonight. I hope I made the point I wanted to.

Remember there’s no hurt that God can’t heal in your life, and forgive in others–the decision is yours. As the movies say, “Choose Wisely.”

See Ya Soon!!

Ran into an old college friend of mine over in Fort Wayne a while back and had he not spoken first I probably wouldn’t have known who he was. When I met Reed during our freshman college year he looked more like a freshman in high-school; baby face, thin, wavy hair, very clean cut and happy-go-lucky. Everyone liked Reed including myself since he was so friendly and easy going. We had classes together and even the professors enjoyed his presence. That’s how he started at least, but by our sophomore year he became very quiet and avoided most people. During that time he missed classes and assignments so much he was placed on academic probation. The following term his old outlook seemed to be back with a determination to turn things around at school. Unfortunately, that didn’t last long and he was back cutting classes until one day he withdrew and I never saw him again; that is until the day 35 years later there on the street getting out of his car. He was headed into a sports bar to watch a football game and drink a few beers and asked if I would join him. I almost said, “No,” but the dramatic change in how he looked and acted was enough for me to say, “Sure, but just for a little bit.”

Reed, the well groomed youthful looking young man I knew now looked older than his years. He had put on a lot of weight, so much it would have been impossible for him to tuck his shirt in. The easy friendly features to his face were still visible, but so were hard facial lines, yellow teeth which I knew was from years of smoking, and the wavy hair was now greasy and unkempt. Grabbing a table near a large TV screen, he ordered us a pitcher and we began to talk.

Wasting no time I got to the root of my inquisitiveness. “Reed, what’s been gong on with you dude? You were in school, then suddenly gone. What happened?” “Life happened and I was sick of it,” he shot back. You didn’t know me well, but my old man was very well to do and I had pretty much anything I wanted, except real happiness. Dad was always on my case telling me I wouldn’t amount to anything if I didn’t do things the way he wanted, and no matter what I did it was never good enough. When we were in college and I didn’t get all A’s then I was a slacker and a loser. I realized one day that trying to meet up to his expectations was futile, so I just quit trying. I left school, moved over here and started selling used cars at a lot and did pretty well at it, too.” Well that must have made your dad happy to know you found your niche in life at least,” I said. Reed roared with laughter, and then began again. “Are you kidding, he went through the roof! Couldn’t believe I was throwing my life away on something so degrading as he put it and ordered me out of the house; I’ve been over here every since.” We went on to talk a little about family now and I learned Reed had been married twice, but wasn’t at that time. “I have a couple of kids, but the one I never see and the other only occasionally, like when she needs money,” and he laughed again.

“Reed, I’m sorry to hear these things buddy, I never knew your situation and wish there was something I could do or say to help you.” Taking a long drink on his beer and staring at the game on the big screen, he didn’t speak for a while. Finally he broke the silence; “And what would that be Miller, how could you help my situation? Let me answer it for you; you couldn’t! Each of us was dealt our cards in the game of life and you just have to play them out, go on from there and live with it.” “Reed, are you telling me that you believe it’s impossible to change your life for the better? Surely you don’t believe that.” Reed smiled gently before answering “I do love you optimists, always saying things will get better. Maybe it does, but for how many, one in a hundred, maybe one in a million? Sorry, but with those kinds of odds I’ll just be content in my misery.”

As I got up to leave, Reed shook my hand and we parted with me telling him I’d be keeping him in my prayers. “Thanks Miller and I really mean that, but I’m okay, honest! Hey, it just wasn’t meant for all of us to have a lucky life like you my friend.”

I thought about Reed’s words all the way home that day and often since. Lucky, huh?
Let’s see, I grew up without a father, got moved around a good deal of my childhood days never having anyplace I could point to as home for very long, didn’t learn to read until I was 12 years old which caused me to be ostracized often in grade school and the only male “role model” I had in my life was physically and emotionally abusive. Throw in a boat load of insecurities to that resume and somehow the word “Lucky” just doesn’t seem to fit!

I won’t make light of Reed’s situation anymore than I would anyone else, but there’s a belief in me that says he could change his situation just the same as I did. That’s not to say I’m something special, but then many studies come to the same conclusion Reed did, that only a small few rise above bad circumstances. Personally, I think if you took all those studies and made into a solid material it would work well as a fertilizer for the garden! (As always, just my opinion)

Two things made a difference for me; the first was this gut check knowledge that I didn’t have to live as a victim of circumstances. I possessed the ability to change my course for the better, for the happier if I was willing to go for it; I truly believe that each and every one of us can do that. Then the second and the most important is learning that God, the Creator of the universe saw me as something special.

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10

I am a co-heir with Christ.  “Now if we are children, then we are heirs- heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ. If indeed we share in His sufferings in order that we may also share with His glory.” Romans 8:17

“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Psalm 139:14

I know I say this often, but I am not a religious man, but one of faith. And the longer I “Travel the Rock Road,” the more I learn about the one I call Lord and about me also.

Like Reed, times have not always been the best. But unlike him I learned I have the ability to change course, by drawing on the strength inside of me, leaning on people who come along side to be a help (particularly the wonderful Lady God has blessed me with for over 40 years!), learning how to take the wrong things that have been in my life and make them right (That’s next week’s story but I’m getting ahead of myself) and finally to see myself as God sees me, redeemed, worthy of His love and perfect, even with all my faults; that comes through the Gift given in His Son Jesus. Awesome!!!

Never saw Reed again, but I think of him often, and when I do I pray for him. I pray that someday he might just see himself in a better light, that he may see himself as God sees him, a beautiful child He wants so much to give His love to, just like me, just like each you.

Max Lucado sums it up this way: “You weren’t an accident. You weren’t mass produced. You aren’t an assembly-line product. You were deliberately planned, specifically gifted, and lovingly positioned on the earth by the Master Craftsman.”

Argue that one, will ya?!! See ya soon!

It’s getting nice out and with that my mind turns to the finer things in life, like triathlons!  Since I quit smoking 11 years ago I’ve enjoyed these contests, not so much competing against others as much as myself; I just love to push it harder than I thought imaginable. This season because of nagging injuries that don’t seem to want to go away I’ll have to be content on watching my sons compete. They’re both great athletes, but there’s something about my long haired, long legged Jeremy David, he may not look typical for these races but he possesses something that gives him an edge, a willingness to push past the pain threshold to give his best performance. And as I was thinking about that, the memory of another competitor came to mind from years back that inspired me, as I hope his story will you.

1968, undoubtedly one of the most prolific years of that decade. The Viet Nam was in full swing, Robert Kennedy and Martin Luther King had both been assassinated, riots had erupted in major cities across the U.S., Russia, better knows as the USSR back then had invaded Czechoslovakia and the summer Olympics were getting under way in Mexico City. Even this most special event was not without chaos as just weeks before the event the Mexican military opened fire on protesting college students in the country killing nearly 300.

When the Olympics finally began, they were a welcome 16-day distraction from all the world’s problems with many new names and faces grabbing the spotlight on the world stage for all to admire. This was especially the case for the American team who would lead all countries that year in medal count. We came to know names like Bob Beamon for his world record long jump and Dick Fosbury for winning the high jump with his unique approach which would go on to carry his name–the Fosbury Flop. Perhaps the most famous and most controversial moment at the games is when Tommie Smith and John Carlos while standing on the victory platform after winning medals in the 200 meter races, raised clenched fists in a black power salute during the playing of the Star Spangled Banner. Yes, many new celebrities were emerging during this world wide sporting event, but the one who grabbed my attention, my hero of the games is someone history doesn’t mention and only a few sport buffs and experts still remember.

I had been watching the running of the marathon on TV, one of my favorite events. I’ve always been impressed at the stamina these athletics must posses as they compete in the most enduring race of them all. These athletes must aggressively run 26 miles while fighting off the pain and fatigue that comes from such a grueling contest. At the end of the race when the runners enter the arena for the last leg of the competition, screaming and adoring fans wave flags as their country’s representative crosses the finish line. After quite a number of contestants had finished the race, the network carrying the coverage cut away to another event and I turned the TV off and left for several hours.

When I returned, I switched the set back on to see what was now taking place. I can’t tell you what event was being aired at that moment; only that a commentator was talking when he was interrupted and told they were going to switch back to the arena for a very dramatic occurrence being played out. There a young man was coming down the street toward the arena with bruises and cuts on his arms, legs and face. He had come to Mexico City as a competitor from a small African nation that was ruled as a monarchy. A new commentator began telling this young man’s story, how he was the only one to make the trip from his country, marching in the opening day ceremonies alone, but nonetheless a proud figure of a man carrying his country’s flag. Early in the competition of the marathon race, this valiant and proud athlete had taken a severe fall on the hot asphalt that baked under the Mexican sun. This left deep gashes in several places over his body, he picked himself up and he continued on only to have this occurrence happen again where he fell even harder. Many runners that day did not finish the race due to exhaustion and the grueling heat of a Mexican sun; still this gallant warrior continued on.

Now, here he was close to the end of his challenge, battered and scared from his unfortunate conflict, the only runner left from a race that had ended hours before. Yet he pushed on sometimes walking and sometimes gently running until he finally entered the arena. Other competitions were going on and had to be cleared out of the way. At first there was a notable silence from the crowd, not understanding exactly what was happening—until they saw this man, my hero enter to make his final lap. Covered with blood and dirt on his uniform, he began a steady trot and at the first applause was quiet and cordial. But as the crowd saw the determination of this fighter to finish the race, the accolades increased to a fever pitch with many rising to their feet to cheer him on. As the roar increased, so did his pace finding somewhere deep inside him a final reservoir of energy allowing him to break into a long strong stride in the final 100 yards. As he crossed, a quickly thrown together finish line, the whole arena exploded louder and stronger than what was given the gold medalist! This was no ovation for a last place finisher; this was for someone who refused to give up the race.

I Corinthians 9:24-26 (The Message Bible): “You’ve all been to the stadium and seen the athletes race. Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win. All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You’re after one that’s gold eternally. I don’t know about you, but I’m running hard for the finish line. I’m giving it everything I’ve got.”

This “Traveler of the Rock Road” had come to Mexico City in hopes of winning the prize. When the gold medal was obviously forever out of reach, this did not deter him from the main reason why he had come in the first place; to finish the race for his king. Each of us runs a race in life every day. The determining factor on how you compete, train and accomplish the task before you is shaped by the goal you reach for. For the Christian, there is no guarantee that life will be painless with smooth roads in obtaining that goal. The strength in keeping your focus lies in understanding why you are in the race, and who you are running for. For that competitor, the reward awaits at the finish line where there will be rejoicing in hearing their King say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

May your goals be attainable, your training be diligent and your focus be on the eternal prize.

See ya next time!

1 Corinthians 15:55

“Where, O death, is your victory?

Where, O death, is your sting?”

The tomb is empty, death has been defeated, Christ has Risen!!!  No more does man have to fear the unknown, the barrier between him and God has been shattered, the price has been paid for sin, our sins.  Now we can take comfort and assurance in the words of our Lord when He said in John 3:16 (New International Version) For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

“The best news of the Christian gospel is that the supremely glorious Creator of the universe has acted in Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection to remove every obstacle between us and himself so that we may find everlasting joy in seeing and savoring his infinite beauty.”  John Piper

No matter how devastating our struggles, disappointments, and troubles are, they are only temporary. No matter what happens to you, no matter the depth of tragedy or pain you face, no matter how death stalks you and your loved ones, the Resurrection promises you a future of immeasurable good.  Josh McDowell

Amen and AMEN!

Thank you to all have read the Easter Road here on “Traveling the Rock Road.” I hope that it has been uplifting and inspirational to you on exactly what Easter is and why. I pray if you have not made Christ Lord of your life that you will today. It’s easy; all it takes is to pray in sincerity;

“Lord I know I am a lost sinner, and I acknowledge that you paid the price for my sins on the cross, then you rose from the dead and now sit at the right hand of the Father making intercession for me. Please come and be Lord of my life that I might have eternal life through you, In the name of Jesus I pray, amen.

If you have prayed this prayer, let me know and I’ll send you material to help with more understanding plus try to connect you with a Bible believing church in your area.

May you have an awesome week and may the spirit of Easter continue to live in your heart year round.

“He Has Risen”!!!!

Matthew 27:51-54New International Version (NIV)

51 At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split 52 and the tombs broke open. The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. 53 They came out of the tombs after Jesus’ resurrection and[a] went into the holy city and appeared to many people. 54 When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, “Surely he was the Son of God!”

The veil or curtain was torn in two from top to bottom. No longer was there a barrier, be it physical or spiritual, between God and man. The price had been paid, the atoning power of the blood of the Lamb had now opened the way where any and all could come to God by the name of Jesus become His beloved children and be saved!

“Tetelestai” IT IS FINISHED!!!

Psalm 22

1 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from my cries of anguish? 2 My God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer, by night, but I find no rest.[b] 3 Yet you are enthroned as the Holy One; you are the one Israel praises.[c] 4 In you our ancestors put their trust; they trusted and you delivered them. 5 To you they cried out and were saved; in you they trusted and were not put to shame. 6 But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by everyone, despised by the people.  7 All who see me mock me; they hurl insults, shaking their heads. 8 “He trusts in the Lord,” they say, “let the Lord rescue him. Let him deliver him, since he delights in him.”  9 Yet you brought me out of the womb; you made me trust in you, even at my mother’s breast. 10 From birth I was cast on you; from my mother’s womb you have been my God. 11 Do not be far from me, for trouble is near and there is no one to help. 12 Many bulls surround me; strong bulls of Bashan encircle me. 13 Roaring lions that tear their prey open their mouths wide against me. 14 I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint. My heart has turned to wax; it has melted within me. 15 My mouth[d] is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth; you lay me in the dust of death. 16 Dogs surround me, a pack of villains encircles me; they pierce[e] my hands and my feet. 17 All my bones are on display; people stare and gloat over me.  18 They divide my clothes among them and cast lots for my garment. 19 But you, Lord, do not be far from me. You are my strength; come quickly to help me. 20 Deliver me from the sword, my precious life from the power of the dogs. 21 Rescue me from the mouth of the lions; save me from the horns of the wild oxen. 22 I will declare your name to my people; in the assembly I will praise you. 23 You who fear the Lord, praise him! All you descendants of Jacob, honor him! Revere him, all you descendants of Israel!  24 For he has not despised or scorned the suffering of the afflicted one; he has not hidden his face from him but has listened to his cry for help. 25 From you comes the theme of my praise in the great assembly; before those who fear you[f] I will fulfill my vows. 26 The poor will eat and be satisfied; those who seek the Lord will praise him—may your hearts live forever! 27 All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the Lord, and all the families of the nations will bow down before him, 28 for dominion belongs to the Lord and he rules over the nations. 29 All the rich of the earth will feast and worship; all who go down to the dust will kneel before him—those who cannot keep themselves alive. 30 Posterity will serve him; future generations will be told about the Lord.  31 They will proclaim his righteousness, declaring to a people yet unborn:  “He has done it!

“Life is wasted if we do not grasp the glory of the cross, cherish it for the treasure that it is, and cleave to it as the highest price of every pleasure and the deepest comfort in every pain. What was once foolishness to us—a crucified God—must become our wisdom and our power and our only boast in this world.”― John Piper

Matthew 26:17-30 – The Last Supper

17 On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Where do you want us to make preparations for you to eat the Passover?” 18 He replied, “Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, ‘The Teacher says: My appointed time is near. I am going to celebrate the Passover with my disciples at your house.’” 19 So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them and prepared the Passover. 20 When evening came, Jesus was reclining at the table with the Twelve. 21 And while they were eating, he said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me.” 22 They were very sad and began to say to him one after the other, “Surely you don’t mean me, Lord?” 23 Jesus replied, “The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me. 24 The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born.” 25 Then Judas, the one who would betray him, said, “Surely you don’t mean me, Rabbi?” Jesus answered, “You have said so.” 26 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.”

27 Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. 28 This is my blood of the[a] covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. 29 I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.” 30 When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

Jesus had been with his disciples for three years teaching them the ways of God and what it takes to someday enter Heaven. On the last night together it was His soul purpose to instruct them in how to live for Him here on earth, in other words how to serve God. And a key part of that comes from serving each other as well as others. By putting your needs and wants to the back of the line, this will show the world that they belonged to Jesus.

“My legacy doesn’t matter. It isn’t important that I be remembered. It’s important that when I stand before the Lord, He says, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant.’ I want to finish strong.” James Dobson

As we continue our Travels on the Rock Road, let us be mindful of what our duties are to Christ, so that someday we may walk streets of gold and here Him say, “Well done, good and Faithful Servant.”

A Blessed Easter Season Friends and Family!!

Matthew 26:39-74 – New International Version (NIV)

39 Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”  40 Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?” he asked Peter. 41 “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”  42 He went away a second time and prayed, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.”  43 When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. 44 So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing.  45 Then he returned to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour has come, and the Son of Man is delivered into the hands of sinners. 46 Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!”

Jesus Arrested:  47 While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people. 48 Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him.” 49 Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him.  50 Jesus replied, “Do what you came for, friend.”[a]  Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him. 51 With that, one of Jesus’ companions reached for his sword, drew it out and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear.  52 “Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. 53 Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? 54 But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?”  55 In that hour Jesus said to the crowd, “Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? Every day I sat in the temple courts teaching, and you did not arrest me. 56 But this has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples deserted him and fled.

Jesus Before the Sanhedrin:  57 Those who had arrested Jesus took him to Caiaphas the high priest, where the teachers of the law and the elders had assembled. 58 But Peter followed him at a distance, right up to the courtyard of the high priest. He entered and sat down with the guards to see the outcome.  59 The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for false evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death. 60 But they did not find any, though many false witnesses came forward.  Finally two came forward 61 and declared, “This fellow said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days.’”  62 Then the high priest stood up and said to Jesus, “Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?” 63 But Jesus remained silent.  The high priest said to him, “I charge you under oath by the living God: Tell us if you are the Messiah, the Son of God.”  64 “You have said so,” Jesus replied. “But I say to all of you: From now on you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.”  65 Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, “He has spoken blasphemy! Why do we need any more witnesses? Look, now you have heard the blasphemy. 66 What do you think?”  “He is worthy of death,” they answered.  67 Then they spit in his face and struck him with their fists. Others slapped him 68 and said, “Prophesy to us, Messiah. Who hit you?”

Peter Disowns Jesus:  69 Now Peter was sitting out in the courtyard, and a servant girl came to him. “You also were with Jesus of Galilee,” she said.  70 But he denied it before them all. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said.  71 Then he went out to the gateway, where another servant girl saw him and said to the people there, “This fellow was with Jesus of Nazareth.”  72 He denied it again, with an oath: “I don’t know the man!”  73 After a little while, those standing there went up to Peter and said, “Surely you are one of them; your accent gives you away.”  74 Then he began to call down curses, and he swore to them, “I don’t know the man!”  Immediately a rooster crowed.

Matthew 27:1-38 – Judas Hangs Himself:  27 Early in the morning, all the chief priests and the elders of the people made their plans how to have Jesus executed. ² So they bound him, led him away and handed him over to Pilate the governor.  ³ When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders. ⁴ “I have sinned,” he said, “for I have betrayed innocent blood.” “What is that to us?” they replied. “That’s your responsibility.”⁵ So Judas threw the money into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself.⁶ The chief priests picked up the coins and said, “It is against the law to put this into the treasury, since it is blood money.” ⁷ So they decided to use the money to buy the potter’s field as a burial place for foreigners. ⁸ That is why it has been called the Field of Blood to this day. ⁹ Then what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled: “They took the thirty pieces of silver, the price set on him by the people of Israel, ¹⁰ and they used them to buy the potter’s field, as the Lord commanded me.”^[a]

Jesus Before Pilate  ¹¹ Meanwhile Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?”  “You have said so,” Jesus replied.¹² When he was accused by the chief priests and the elders, he gave no answer.¹³ Then Pilate asked him, “Don’t you hear the testimony they are bringing against you?” ¹⁴ But Jesus made no reply, not even to a single charge—to the great amazement of the governor.¹⁵ Now it was the governor’s custom at the festival to release a prisoner chosen by the crowd. ¹⁶ At that time they had a well-known prisoner whose name was Jesus^[b] Barabbas. ¹⁷ So when the crowd had gathered, Pilate asked them, “Which one do you want me to release to you: Jesus Barabbas, or Jesus who is called the Messiah?” ¹⁸ For he knew it was out of self-interest that they had handed Jesus over to him.¹⁹ While Pilate was sitting on the judge’s seat, his wife sent him this message: “Don’t have anything to do with that innocent man, for I have suffered a great deal today in a dream because of him.  ²⁰ But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus executed.

²¹ “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” asked the governor.  “Barabbas,” they answered.  ²² “What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called the Messiah?” Pilate asked.  They all answered, “Crucify him!”  ²³ “Why? What crime has he committed?” asked Pilate.  But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify him!”  ²⁴ When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but that instead an uproar was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. “I am innocent of this man’s   blood,” he said. “It is your responsibility!”  ²⁵ All the people answered, “His blood is on us and on our children!”  ²⁶ Then he released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified.  The Soldiers Mock Jesus  ²⁷ Then the governor’s soldiers took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole company of soldiers around him. ²⁸ They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, ²⁹ and then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head. They put a staff in his right hand. Then they knelt in front of him and mocked him. “Hail, king of the Jews!” they said. ³⁰ They spit on him, and took the staff and struck him on the head again and again. ³¹ After they had mocked him, they took off the robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him away to crucify him.

The Crucifixion of Jesus:    ³² As they were going out, they met a man from Cyrene, named Simon, and they forced him to carry the cross. ³³ They came to a place called Golgotha (which means “the place of the skull”). ³⁴ There they offered Jesus wine to drink, mixed with gall; but after tasting it, he refused to drink it. ³⁵ When they had crucified him, they divided up his clothes by casting lots. ³⁶ And sitting down, they kept watch over him there. ³⁷ Above his head they placed the written charge against him: this is Jesus, the king of the Jews.  ³⁸ Two rebels were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left.

Deserted, beaten, betrayed, mocked and ridiculed, yet still willing to finish the work, to pay the price for you and me. That my friend is not a “Traveler of the Rock Road” that is the Rock that went before to make our road easier, better, eternal. Thank you Jesus!

Matthew 26:38

“Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay    here and keep watch with me.”

Jesus felt the pain of being human the night before He was to be crucified; He knew what was coming and even though He could have called angels to rescue Him from the torment that awaited, still He chose to go to the cross for you, and for me.

His Travels of the Rock Road were made so that ours would be easier, with an eternal destination.

Blessings my dear Friends and Family!