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?
The Arnold Journey 