Scripture
Our verse for today comes from Mark 14:21, “For the Son of Man goes as it is written of Him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed. It would have been better for that man if he had not been born.”
Background
Comment cards and suggestion boxes. Organizations use these methods of gathering data in the hopes of improving their products or services while showing that they value the ideas and input of their customers. Restaurants provide them so that you can rate your meal and the service you received from their staff. Giant retailers want to know if you found everything that you needed in their stores. Even trucks driving down the road have a message asking those behind them to provide feedback on the driver’s performance and safety. I’ve never been the one to gather up and compile the suggestions left behind by customers, but I would guess that most of the comments focus on the negative rather than the positive. Certainly upper-class restaurants, if comment cards are not something they consider too tacky, would receive their fair share of praise for the fine food and service that they provide and, quite frankly, must provide in order to keep their doors open. But not so for most others. Usually one is more inclined to take the time to comment when they have been aggravated or inconvenienced rather than when they had a pleasant encounter. Too many of us let our continued patronage be the only way we express our appreciation for their excellent service, quality products, and so forth.
Application
Jesus had an odd suggestion to the one Mark called the betrayer. He recommended that he not be born. Similar (I dare say) to the unpleasant thought that crosses our minds when that certain someone cops an attitude or insults us, Jesus said it would be better if he didn’t exist. But exist he did, and betray did he. Now, Jesus has some recommendations for you and me, some that will bless us and honor Him if we’ll surrender and obey. He’s not wishing us away, but He does call us to withstand certain things, avoid others, and not give in to some of what we’re prone to do. And those notes on His comment card are worth heeding. Absolutely and positively.
Charge
As we seek Him today, take a suggestion from your King. And leave a comment for another that reflects that same King.
