What Part Of Jesus?

And they crucified him.  Dividing up his clothes, they cast lots to see what each would get.  Mark 15:24 (NIV)

The Son of Man as He called Himself is finally crucified by those who seek to be rid of Him.  The Son of God is nailed to the cross to pay for the sins of a wayward race.  Not just an innocent Man, but the flawless and righteous Son of the Almighty God is offered up to death.  He who never sinned is made to die for all of us who have strayed from the will of God.  He goes willingly to suffer, offering up His Spirit, to pay the ransom for ours.  He allows the dark and devious men to horribly sacrifice Him.  They do not realize the weight of their actions.  They continue to heap crime upon crime.  Are they not satisfied with snuffing out the greatest Light the world has seen?  Now must they cast lots to see who will get the best of the condemned Man´s clothes?

Are we in this with them?  Have we played our part in the scene?  Was it our sins too for which Jesus had to die?  Was it our treason against God which brought Him to this terrible moment?  Did we too turn to our lower interests and forget Who God was and what His intentions are for us?  Have we also stumbled and faltered sometimes?  Do we not stand by at times and watch as Jesus is made somewhat less than what He should be?  Are we too sometimes guilty of bringing unfavorable situations upon our Lord?  Have our actions or thoughts given Him cause for more suffering?  Have we crucified Him in any way to some hidden part of our heart?  Have we overlooked His rightful Lordship over us and preferred to see Him hung instead of relinquishing to Him control over the things in our lives?  Have we fallen to dividing up His things to see what lot will be ours?

What part of Jesus would we have if we could have our choice?  What are the things about Him that we secretly desire?  What is it about Him that we want for ourselves?  Is there something to be gained for us?  Should we cast lots and see what falls to each one?  Do we want only His pardon?  Is it His help in our times of need that we desire?  Would we merely like to find in Him, a refined Way of life?  Are we able to choose which things we take for ourselves?  Or is it a lottery as to which things come to us?

Or would we like to remove ourselves from this casting of lots?  Could we be so genuine as to resist partaking in this game?  Would we like to make sure that we do not come into the gamble of what part of Jesus to take or to leave?  Could we prefer not to shoot for the finer things?  Could we accept rather His loss?  Would it be more beneficial in the long run to settle for the Man?  Could we let the others take their finer parts and embrace the Person of Christ?  Could we choose Him as our prize?

Dear Jesus, as the others squabble over what part of You they would want for themselves, please let us come to You.  We may desire all the wonderful things about You but we would like something more.  We are asking to know You as an intimate friend.  We would take You for us.  Not all the glamorous things You wear, but we want You!  Could You help us please to concern ourselves with the relationship and the closeness?  Help us to not set our hearts too much on just the finer results but rather truly and honestly connect us to You at whatever the cost.  If we can have You for our reward, then that will be the finest prize we could hope for.  As the cards fall for us, let them fall on You, we pray!

Amen