Thoughts as we approach Easter

          As we head toward Easter, I was reading in Matthew 21-25 or so the time leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. He was truly a "meek and lowly" Lamb of  God but only submissive to the will of His Father, not the people around Him. We are often a bit too submissive as we strive to be popular. Christ knew He was not going to be popular because the people around Him were not going to agree with what He had to say. In the records we have in the New Testament, when He first started His "mission", getting baptized and changing the water to wine in Cana, He was firm but not really forceful. As time went by and He performed many miracles, He often admonished people not to tell anyone. He needed time to continue to try to tell people what He came to tell, knowing that as soon as He was more forcefully confronted, He was going to say things that would really get Him in trouble- which is what happened during the week leading up to His mock trial and crucifixion. He made no apologies for calling out those who claimed to be "righteous" according to certain outward ordinances and rules yet were greedy, vain, power-hungry hypocrites. He especially mentioned the leaders of the Jews as well as scribes and Pharisees, calling them hypocrites. (I agree with Christ in that I think hypocrisy is one of the gravest sins we can commit. To speak out of  both sides of our mouths or claim one thing and do another or hide our true thoughts and intentions. I really dislike that.) I guess Jesus Christ will be to each one of us a different judge. Those who have truly loved Him, appreciated fully what He stands for, and done their best to obey and emulate Him- those people will run to His open arms and accept His embrace. Those who have tried to justify themselves, ignored His teachings, and pretended to be something they were not genuinely trying to be- those people will want the rocks and trees to hide them; they will fear His anger as expressed in various points in the scriptures. People ask- who is God or Jesus Christ anyway? Is He the judging God who was so angry with the children of Israel or the God that said to bring the little children to Him so He could bless them? Well, He's both. Just like any loving parent, He is kind when we behave and angry when we are disobedient and rebellious. And just like a good parent, it's not because He wants to be boss and doesn't like it when anyone refuses to obey. He gets angry because He wants us to succeed. He wants us to be kind and loving and forgiving and humble and obedient so that we can continue to improve while we are Heaven type citizens. We can't live in peace for eternity if we are not peaceful people. He wants to abide in peace forever and is willing to do ANYTHING to help- but we have to do it voluntarily. He will not force us to be with Him.