Will we ‘look away’, or to God and live this Easter?

Apathy! Aren’t we all guilty of it, likely many times in our lives? Maybe you’re familiar with these words attributed to Edmund Burke: “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” Often, what’s really behind that is cowardice. And I have had to confess to that also.

The denial by Simon Peter at the time of Jesus’ trial is well known. Yet would any of us have done any better? Crucifixion was not a pretty prospect, the most lingering and painful death Rome could devise.

Two weeks ago I heard the following, sung hauntingly on TVNZ’s Sunday morning Praise Be:

He knelt there in the garden beneath a midnight sky

He knelt alone to wrestle and to pray

I saw Him in the garden, And I knew He’d have to die

But on that night I only looked away

They came there to the garden to find Him all alone

And Judas gave the kiss that would betray

I saw the soldiers seize Him; I even heard Him groan

But never mind, I only looked away

They led Him in to Pilate: “He claims He is a king!”

Their hearts were filled with blood lust on that day

To each and every question He answered not a thing

And as for me, I only looked away

At last the final sentence. I knew the time was near

Then Pilate washed his hands and went away

I heard the roar of shouting, and someone gave a cheer.

But as for me, I only looked away;

I’m sad to say I turned and walked away. *

And yet, what could anyone have done against the might of Rome? When Peter drew his sword earlier that night to come to his master’s defence, Jesus ordered Peter to sheath his sword.

What response was Jesus looking for, we might ask. There’s a clue in John 12:32 when Jesus mysteriously said, “When I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself.”

When it was all over and Peter had seen and spoken with his resurrected Lord, then a few weeks later been filled with God’s Holy Spirit like Jesus had promised, unsurprisingly he’s a different man.

Listen to him addressing the crowds at the Feast of Pentecost. No cowardice or apathy now:

“Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.”

And here’s what he told them to do. Not raise an army; nor rebel against Rome! But instead, “Repent and be baptised, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Acts 2:36-38.

Further on we read the result: about 3000 converts. And a joyful Christian Church was born.

So what response is called for from us today? Yes, we are still challenged to take a stand against injustice wherever we see it. Yet, confronted with the historical facts of the Easter story, a personal response is called for.

Peter’s address to the crowd guides us: Repent! I turn from my way to God’s way. Then, believing Jesus’ death atoned for all my sins, I commit to Him as Saviour and Lord of my life. His Holy Spirit then becomes my helper. Will we “look away” or look to Him and live this Easter?

* Words: Mary Kay Beall, 1999 Hope Publishing Co. Used by permission.