Have
you ever gone backstage at a music concert and rubbed shoulders with the
performers? How about entered a building that needed an electronic key to
enter? Or perhaps a fingerprint scanner? Did you ever have to be buzzed into an
area? Had to use a password? Security question? Used a ticket to enter? Paid a
toll?
Each
of these things limits access. They require permission of some type. Not
everyone gets access. Some people are excluded. The world is not fair. Everyone
doesn’t get the same access, income, talents, opportunities, looks, location,
or any other limiting quality. Not everyone can live in Florida during the
winter months. Everyone can’t live in Venice, Italy.
Jesus
didn’t even treat everyone the same. Jesus chose twelve disciples. This means
He didn’t chose any of the other people who lived at that time. He excluded
them from being part of the closest companions of Jesus. Peter, James and John
did things with Him that the others didn’t. Thomas was offered the opportunity
to verify the holes where the nails and spear went. The Apostle Paul was
blinded by Jesus and commissioned to take the Gospel to the Gentiles. He ended
up writing most of the letters in the New Testament.
If
you remember our story, Jairus’ daughter is ill to the point of death. Jairus
has come to Jesus in a desperate effort at saving her. He has risked everything
in this attempt. He could be rejected by his peers, his synagogue, his
community. But none of that matters. His daughter needs Jesus.
And
now the news has come that his daughter has died. Jesus has asked him to
believe. He is in a tough spot, a spot no parent wants to ever be in. When they
get close to his house Jesus limits who can come in with him. Only Peter, James
and John get to come out of all the disciples. “That’s not fair!” Shouldn’t all
the disciples get the same opportunity to see Jesus at work? This gives Peter,
James and John an advantage. And a responsibility!
Everyone
has the responsibility to contribute to the welfare of others, not just the
rich. We are all responsible to do our share, our burden of the work of living
in the world. While the rich have a responsibility to use their wealth for the
benefit of others, the poor have a responsibility to use their resources
wisely. Both groups have failed! But what do you expect from unbelievers!
Sinners acting selfishly. Why does that surprise us? SUV’s and expensive cell
phones are not a necessity, just like private jets and multiple houses. Both
the poor and the rich are poor stewards of their resources. The poor have a
responsibility to do “do something with their hands.” No work, no food.
So
how are you doing on using the resources you have? You have access to people
and places that others don’t. How are you using that access to further God’s
kingdom?