Contumacious

Contumacious - especially of a defendants behaviour stubbornly, or willfully disobedient to authority. 

Stiff necked, hard hearted, contumacious: Do you know any people like this, dear reader? Man alive, I get stuck on certain concepts and can't get past them, until I consider the ramifications in writing, and then I get released. The idea of a defendant being stubborn, and wilfully disobedient, has me thinking about all the people I have known that turned their back on God's will ... this is all of us at one point or another, but it ought not to be over time, as we mature, as we decide not to give into childish wilfulness, and recognize what is beneficially wholesome, healthy, and live affirming. 

My tear manufacturing system may be a little overworked these days. I have a parade of people marching across my minds memory; there was a time when loving Jesus was oh so very easy; when going to church and singing worship songs was simple, a no brainer activity, with lots of places to attend, because believing didn't require any real effort ... no tears, no sweat, and definitely no blood. Come as you are, and we will embrace you, was the message, and post covid carnage, it still is: easy believism is key to getting bums in seats yet again. 

While believing in Jesus is easy for many, following in his blood soaked footsteps, is quite another endeavour. Can you picture him, bruised and bloodied, dripping as he carried the cross, the one he was nailed to for the sins of the world? It isn't the image of Jesus that people want to hold and reflect upon, but it is the one that Christians carry with them, knowing that his sacrifice is the very one that gives life to the blood that flows in our veins. The life is in the blood, dear reader, and Jesus shed his for you, and for me. Is this an event we ought to think on, just once a year: Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection, along with the birth date of the Messiah, passing days on the schedule, noticed and forgotten almost immediately, until they roll around once again, just like every other event on the calendar?

I hear Jesus' name bandied about, like slaps across his sweet face, punches to his gut, lashes to his back. I hear him cursed and think of the Roman soldiers, employed to torment and mock, and the Jewish leaders, inciting murderous, riotous rebels, to shout, Crucify him. Do you, dear reader, use Jesus' name as a curse word? Do you say it as though you were saying the f word, or any other foul mouthed thing? If so, you are a stiff necked, hard hearted, contumacious person, that takes liberties against your very own would be Saviour. You are stubbornly, and wilfully, disobedient, and you echo the sentiments of those that hate the LORD ... is this okay with you? Do you feel strength when you use Jesus' name as a curse and a cuss? 

Take a hammer, the largest one you can find. Next, get some nails, and place the hammer and the nails on top of your dining-room table ... ready? Now go and get one of the people you love deeply, and tell them to sit down, with both hands placed a top the table. Tell them not to flinch, or move their hands ... pick-up that hammer, and one of those nails, and find centre, the very middle of the right hand. You are poised to drive that nail through. Don't hesitate, get the job done. Thinking about what you are about to do might stop you from following through, defeating the purpose of all that preparation. Most importantly, do NOT LOOK INTO THE EYES OF YOUR LOVED ONE ... that will doom you to failure to complete the task you have been assigned. 

Do you want me to finish the scenario for you? Would you like to envision more of the above, or can we leave the dining-room now, with the hammer and nails left on top of the table? Think with me, about doing such a thing to someone you profess to love. I heard once, that it is almost impossible to say horrible things to another person while maintaining eye contact. You and I know that the eyes are windows to the soul. I suggest you try looking up toward heaven, each time you use the Lord's name in a most heinous and disparaging way; try looking into the eyes of the Saviour, and imagining yourself, with hammer in hand, and nail readied to pierce him through, as one of many death blows. 

Jesus is the name above all names, and must be spoken with reverence; to do otherwise, marks you as one of his enemies. You hate him, you hate the cross, and you hate God Almighty. I hope this makes you reticent and a little nervous too to read. It is only this foolish and sin soaked generation that hasn't a clue that they damn themselves each time they curse the Living God. 

You, dear reader, have been warned. Repent, and sin no more. 

PS: Just so you know, those that love Jesus cringe each time they hear his name used rudely, crudely, and in vain. If you believe in "political correctness" and are super careful not to offend the overly sensitive amongst us, then consider Christians as overly sensitive too, and stop using the Lord's name in profane ways, in our presence.