The majority of the 15 roofing companies I contacted to replace my roof wanted to do a “band-aid” type of repair: ignore damages, and roof right over the old roof. They didn’t want to address the inside issues-too cumbersome. Replacing the old with the new, would make everything look super-nice while the undersides, look bad.
When Israel awaited the Messiah in Jesus’ day, they expected the same thing. They wanted outside acknowledgment that a new leader, a promised leader would raise up a revolt against the Romans and thus rescue them from their clutches. Like kids at a game, they wanted to tell their enemies, “Look who’s on our side!”
But God, who weighs our hearts, knew their captivity wasn’t from the outside only. He knew their oppression came from within. Just as a prisoner can be free on the inside of his soul though behind bars, and a free man bound from within, God sent Jesus to deliver the Israelites from the chains binding their souls. But they wouldn’t budge. It was too costly. They’d look better on the outside if the surrounding nations could see that their God, Jehovah, had overthrown Rome.
They were so bent on being liberated, that they remained captive to their sinful ways. The religious leaders pretended to uphold the law, but neglected most of it. They were legalistic, for sure. Nothing could be done out of line, especially, if it was something others could see and report.
Jesus wanted them to see that God Himself was “doing a new thing” (Isaiah 43:19) among them, but they repeatedly told Him, “You’re wrong, God; you have no idea how we do things here.”
Yet, He was in their midst for years…and they completely missed Him. They condemned Him long before apprehending, scourging, and crucifying Him. On a daily basis they snickered at Him-even His very own brothers in the flesh mocked Him (John 7:3-10)!
Are you waiting for God to show up so you can serve Him, but fail to see Him in your midst? Have you missed all the telltale signs? He’s present for sure! He lives and moves amongst us. He’s a full-line roofer, repairing all the damaged goods beneath the surface, as well as on top. From the inside, He makes you a new person (2 Corinthians 5:17)-no bandages! He knows what He’s doing. Others will see the transformation in your life and know He did it.
God less,
Sam