Going over to the "Dark Side"

I am thinking about going over to the dark side. That can mean something different to a lot of people so let me explain. Going over to the dark side is a phrase used by nonconforming motorcyclists who run a car tire on the back of their bike. Crazy huh? Not really. A few of my friends who own cruisers have been doing it for years. I recently purchased my son's VTX with a balding rear tire and I'm thinking of "going dark" for more stability and longer wear.

I believe scripture teaches that Jesus was from the "dark side." He was a non traditionalist for His day. When Jesus asked the disciples what people were saying about Him in Luke 9:18ff they replied that "some think He is the resurrect John the Baptist or Elijah." John and Elijah were clearly not traditionalist of their day. They were viewed by many as "wild men" of sorts.

Yep, the people thought that Jesus was a resurrected wild man. In fact the Bible says in Luke 9:7 this very rumor reached the throne of King Herod who had beheaded John the Baptist some time before. John the Baptist back from the dead? Wow, these words can smudge our portrait of a warm and fuzzy, meek and mild Jesus, do they not?

We must have a right conception of Jesus if we are to emulate Him. To be fair to this discussion we must acknowledge there are presentations of a "lighter" more warm and fuzzy Jesus in the Gospels as well. But we must never loose sight of His "dark side." Like Peter we must ask, "What kind of Man is this? Even the wind and waves obey Him. Even the wild demons obey Him." Even the Pharisees were afraid that He would lead a revolt. What kind of Man "is" our Jesus?

In C. S. Lewis' The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, when Lucy was about to meet the Christ figure portrayed by the lion Aslan, she asks Mr. Beaver if Aslan is safe? Beaver's reply was, "Safe? Who said anything about him being safe? Of course he isn't safe but he is good. He is a good king and you can trust him."

Following Jesus may not always feel safe, warm and cozy as an individual or as a Church but in the end it is "good." We must expect Jesus to lead us over to "the dark side" on occasion. To rock our boat on occassion. Will you trust His leadership ... will you search out His plan? As a Church are we willing to become unconventional in how we "view and do" our mission? Remember, the scriptures teach that "God will shake everything that can be shaken. Only what is real, true, and according to His purpose will He allow to remain."

Thanks for stopping by!
------
Adrian