Being awed.....

Luke 9: 7 - 9

Who is this about whom I hear such things?

'Who' is this indeed? Herod had his own agenda for finding out about Jesus. He was not a spiritual person in any sense of the word.....but had seen and heard enough to be curious and maybe to 'fear' as well. After all, John's message and rebuke had shaken him and Jesus was yet another of the Jewish teachers the people were following.

The sad part about such curiosity, fear and awe is that in many persons it does not lead to true 'faith'. Thus the mystery of why some persons who are drawn come to faith and some remain awed and curious bystanders. But getting to know Jesus means we have to take the plunge - even when we are not clear about many things, even when we know our lives will be challenged by him. Herod wanted to remain in control. It was not his 'sin' as such that set him apart - it was his pride and self sufficiency.

This is a reminder to me that at our initial conversion, there was much humility as we placed ourselves at the mercy of God, knowing and trusting just enough to say "yes" to the Spirit's invitation. I would like to remember this stance from time to time - for it is common that as the years go by, the soul grows prideful all over again, and the subtle, yet deadly sin of 'spiritual pride' takes over. It is good to go back to the question "Who is this Jesus, to me.....now?