Safe Jesus?

"The people who hanged Christ never, to do them justice, accused Him of being a bore; on the contrary, they thought Him too dynamic to be safe. It has been left for later generations to muffle up that shattering personality and surround Him with an atmosphere of tedium. We have very efficiently pared the claws of the Lion of Judah, certified Him “meek and mild,” and recommended Him as a fitting household pet for pale curates and pious old ladies."
~ Dorothy Sayers 

“Safe?” said Mr. Beaver; “don’t you hear what Mrs. Beaver tells you? Who said anything about safe? ‘Course he isn’t safe. But he’s good. He’s the King, I tell you.”
~ C.S. Lewis, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe

Beloveds...

These are two of my favorite quotes.  The first, by Dorthy Sayers, is self-explanatory.  The second, if you're not familiar, is a description of Aslan, C.S. Lewis's representation of Christ in his popular Chronicles of Narnia series.

Both describe Christ as "unsafe", and I wholeheartedly agree.

We've painted ourselves a "picture perfect Jesus".  Warm, fuzzy, and always gentle.  It's preached from the pulpit.  A Jesus who is only about forgiveness.  Our "Jesus" would never do anything abrasive...  Always turn the other cheek.

But, The Bible depicts a very different Savior.  (Matthew 23:13-36) (Matthew 15:7, 13, 16) (Matthew 21:12)  These are just a few from Matthew.  Verses like this can be found throughout the Bible!

Don't get me wrong, we serve a loving God and Savior.  This includes, but is not limited to, everything in 1Corinthians 13.

We must consider the whole picture though....

Partial acceptance of the true and biblical Jesus has caused staggering damage in modern society.  It's lead to the emasculation of men and the destruction of families.  (If you're looking for a good book on the subject, check out "No More Christian Nice Guy" by Paul Coughlin.)

The same God who loves us so much He would sacrifice His only begotten Son to have us by His side for eternity, is also a God of judgment.

26 For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, 27 but a terrifying expectation of judgment and the fury of a fire which will consume the adversaries. 28 Anyone who has set aside the Law of Moses dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. 29 How much severer punishment do you think he will deserve who has trampled under foot the Son of God, and has regarded as unclean the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has insulted the Spirit of grace? 30 For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay.” And again, “The Lord will judge His people.” 31 It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God. ~ (Hebrews 10:26-31)

Ask Noah, Moses, Pharaoh, Job, or the residents of Sodom and Gomorrah what happens when the Lord rages.  Ask the merchants running change tables outside the temple, the apostles, or Pharisees about "gentle Jesus".

He is not safe!

But, as Mr. Beaver is quick to point out, He IS good.  He is just, infinitely patient, and quick to forgive.   

A God of both love and power!

Can you be ok with that?  Can you get to a place where, like David or Job, where you say... God is God?  Will you say, no matter what He chooses to do with me, I will submit?  Can you say it as He corrects you?  Can you find His love in that correction?  Can you say it through trials not brought on by any action of your own?

To be in love with a God that powerful is not safe.  It was never meant to be.  That's why faith is needed.

Think of it this way...

He gives us free will.  He lets us choose life of death.  Blessing or cursing.  Because the only way He can truly be in a relationship with us is by giving us that choice.  Anything less, and we are just pawns. Automatons to be played with.  He wanted a fulfilling relationship.  He wanted, dare I say it, a lover.  

Read Song of Solomon!

Not safe!  But, when you feel His love surround you and rush through you, you quickly understand He is both worthy and trustworthy.