What’s The Answer?

I recently read about a preacher who would have the kids come up front before the evening worship for Bible drills.

One Sunday night, he decided to use squirrels for an object lesson teaching the kids about diligence, preparation and planning.  So he began by saying, “I’m going to describe something, and I want you to raise your hand when you know what it is.” The children nodded eagerly.

“This thing lives in trees (pause) and eats nuts (pause)…” No one raised their hand. “And it is grey (pause) and has a long bushy tail (pause)…” The kids looked at each other. But still no raised hands. The preacher continued, “And it jumps from branch to branch (pause) and chatters and flips its tail when it’s excited (pause)…”

Slowly and tentatively one little boy raised his hand. The preacher breathed a sigh of relief that someone finally had the answer.  “What is it, son?” he asked. “Well…,” said the boy, “I know the answer is Jesus…but it sure sounds like a squirrel to me!”

Don’t you love it?!  Kids expect the answer to every question to be Jesus!  Yet, how much better off would adults be if we “became like little children” in our belief in Jesus?  What if we looked to Jesus as the answer to life’s questions?  Life’s problems?  Life’s challenges?

On the Friday Jesus died, he had been soundly rejected as the answer.  They were looking for the Messiah.  But He wasn’t it.  At least not in their minds. Think about the world into which Jesus entered?

The Jews were divided into cliques.  Tradition had replaced truth.  Political posturing characterized the religious leaders.  Prideful prejudice pitted groups of people against one another.  Corruption, wickedness and selfish ambition was the rule of the day.  And so with hardened hearts and eyes of envy they cried, “Crucify Him!  Crucify Him!”

Yet ironically the answer to their sinful condition, their ignorance, and their arrogance was the one hanging on the cross.  Jesus!

Sorta sounds like our day, doesn’t it?

We face troubled marriages.  Rebellious children.  Addictive habits. Unrestrained lusts. Racial prejudice.  Financial collapse. Dreaded diseases. Tragic death.  And ungodly attitudes of bitterness, resentment and anger.

So what’s the answer?  How do we cope?  How can we overcome?  Where do we turn when we face “Friday’s dilemma”?

The answer?  Jesus.  Pure. Plain. And Simple.  With child-like faith we just need to bring it all Jesus.

And why?  You know why!  It may be Friday.  But Sunday’s coming!

On resurrection morning every doubt was dispelled.  Every question was answered.  Every issue was resolved.  At least concerning Christ.  The prophecies were fulfilled.  Jesus’ promised were kept.  God’s plan was completed.  The disciples faith was vindicated. Yes, Jesus is way.  He is the Truth.  He is the Life.  He is the answer.

And so today. This day.  Don’t fret about “Friday’s problems.”  Sunday’s coming!  And Jesus is the answer!

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman