YOU and GOD

Well, last weekend (August 22 and 23) marked an historic event in America: The first weekend ever that an NTT IndyCar Series race was held on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., with the Washington Monument and the U.S. Capitol and other important sites as backdrops. The carefully designed route was set up with safeguards for protection of the fans in bleachers, as the cars zoomed past at speeds of near 200 mph. Who would have ever “thunk it?”

I love sports now and have for most of my life. I especially love football, baseball, and basketball. I am not tied to any team and watch very little on television because it has changed so very much and is changing still—so that even amateur sports is becoming too much about money. Believe me, though, last season I got wholly excited about IU football—a team that won the national championship after having a dismal won-lost record for decades. What an exciting story! What a great team effort! What a class coach and outstanding MVP quarterback—first pick in the first round in the NFL draft! I will be tuned in again this fall.

When the world-cup soccer championship games came to America this summer, I had to admit that soccer holds no interest for me. I had never watched a game. I did get somewhat interested in the games until the U.S. team was no longer playing, and was interested in the championship game. But that is about it. It staggers one’s imagination, though, that hundreds of thousands of people, soccer lovers all, came from all corners of the earth to watch these games in America! It is truly the number one sport worldwide. Amazing.

So, what I am going to say is not “judgmental” or from someone who does not love sports. But, my heart is heavy as I think about how America has become so immersed into sports. I have thought, for some time, that it seems as though our beloved nation worships at the altar of “football,” or fill in the blank with several other sports. Gambling on these games has become a multi-billion dollar business.

Yet, this spring and summer witnessed—as recently as this past week here in central Indiana—historic floods, fires, and tornadoes, with temperatures that have been “off the charts.” All spring and summer, I read about communities being ravaged by natural disasters, and I prayed for those communities—asking that people would be drawn to God for strength and comfort, having lost every earthly possession in a matter of minutes. But I rather smugly thought, “I am surely glad central Indiana has been spared that kind of devastation.” Then came the “once in a hundred years” floods to cities all around us, especially in central Indiana! God, it seems to me, is saying: “America used to worship her Creator, singing God bless America, from whom she has now departed. I will turn her over to the gods at whose altars she now gathers on every Lord’s Day to celebrate, as in Sunday’s “Freedom 250 Grand Prix.” I grieve—and pray that it is not too late for a turning back to Him.

For years, I have shared something that was published more than 50 years ago by the Americanism Educational League, entitled “Do You Remember the Real America?” I close with this piece.

Do you remember when: “The flag was a sacred symbol, when riots were unthinkable. When you left front doors open. When socialism was a dirty word. When criminals actually went to jail. When you were not afraid to go out at night. When taxes were only a necessary nuisance. When a boy was boy and dressed like one. When a girl was a girl, and dressed like one. When the poor were too proud to take charity. When the clergy actually talked about religion. When clerks and repairmen tried to please you. When college kids swallowed goldfish, not acid. When songs had a tune, and the words made sense. When young fellows tried to join the Army or Navy. When people knew what the Fourth of July stood for. When you never dreamed our country could ever lose. When you bragged about your hometown, and home state. When everybody didn’t feel entitled to an education. When people expected less, and valued what they had more. When politicians proclaimed their patriotism, and meant it. When everybody knew the difference between right and wrong. When things weren’t perfect, but you never expected them to be. When our government stood up for Americans, anywhere in the world. When you knew that the law would be enforced, and your safety protected. When the law meant justice, and you felt a shiver of awe at the sight of a policeman. When you weren’t embarrassed to say that this was the best country in the world. When America was a country filled with brave, proud, hard-working people!”

If the author of this nostalgic glance back could see the America that exists today, he would surely be amazed at how even more apropos these words are in 2026. We must earnestly plead, “God bless America!”

“Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.” (Provs. 14:34)

Paul wrote to his son in the faith, Timothy, that he should give attention to reading, to exhortation, and to doctrine. (I Tim. 4:13) Clearly, there are things that we ought to be doing very regularly, even beyond our daily praying.

Some years ago, I made a list of what I called spiritual disciplines—things that I should regularly give attention to in my walk with God. I share these hoping they might challenge someone else in walking closer to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, as we make progress day by day on this Christian pilgrimage:

1. Silence (Ps. 46:10; 62:1,5; 13:2)
2. Solitude (Ex 3:1-6; I Sam.16:6-16; Mark 6:30,31)
3. Sorrow for sin (Mark 1:14,15; Luke 3:1-6; Rev. 3:3)
4. Scripture (Joshua 1:7,8; Psalm 1:1-3; Jer. 15:16; John 15:7)
5. Supplication (Ex. 32:30-32; John 17:13-16; Col.1:9-12)
6. Song (Ps. 96:1-4; Col. 3:15-17; Heb.2:12)
7. Steadfast heart (Ps.57:7-11; I Cor. 15:58; Eph.6:13)

1. Self-scrutiny (Ps.139:23; Provs. 20:27; I Cor. 11:26-28)
2. Speech (Provs. 25:11; Isa. 50:4; Matt. 12:36,37)
3. Sensitivity (Provs. 20:12; Gal. 6:2)
4. Servanthood (Mark 10:42-45; John 13:1-5; I Th.2:7,8)
5. Self-denial (Matt. 16:24-26; Luke 14:25-33; John 21:18,19)
6. Suffering (II Cor. 12:7; Phil. 3:7-10; I Pet. 4:12,13)
7. Submission (Matt. 5:38-42; Eph.5:21; I Pet.5:5)

1. Stewardship (Luke 6:38; Acts 20:35; II Cor. 8:15)
2. Simplicity (Matt. 5:8; Mark 6:7-11; Luke 10:38-42)
3. Seeking heart (Matt. 6:33; Luke 11:9; Hebs. 11:6)
4. Sincerity (II Cor. 1:12; Phil. 1:9, 10; James 5:12)
5. Separation (Haggai 2:11-14; Rom. 12:1,2; II Cor. 6:14-18)
6. Self-control (Ps.101:3; Provs. 16:32; Provs. 25:28; I Cor. 9:24-27)
7. Surrender to the Spirit (Ps.v143:10; Gal.5:22,23)

Well, that should keep one focused for some time. Pastors and Sunday School teachers, feel free to change this in any way by deleting verses and adding others—or by deleting categories. This might be good for a series of lessons; I used it for a one-time, stand-alone midweek Bible study 13 years ago.

At any rate, you do not need my permission, nor do you need to bother with giving any credit. Make it your own, if it is something you could use, and “go with it.”

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (II Tim.2:12)

As most of you know and will readily agree, prayer is a wonderful privilege: We enter into God’s presence with our praises and petitions, knowing that He remembers our frame and that we are dust, and that we are His beloved children, and that His loving kindness and marvelous grace are abundant and sufficient. But reminders of such are always appropriate, so I am sharing a “TRBC Times” article that I wrote for our church publication in August 2003.

As I write these lines, our daughter is in the intensive care unit of St. Francis Hospital. She underwent an emergency appendectomy two days ago, and she is fighting off infection that, if not checked by some high-powered antibiotics, could end her life on this earth.

I have seen hundreds of folk off to surgery, but this Saturday was the most difficult ever. We did not know what the doctor would find. It was suggested that a mass might be discovered. Unbridled, my mind raced from bad scenarios to worse. It was an agonizing two-and-one-half-hour wait. The surgeon’s report was something of a relief, as we learned that an appendix was the culprit. The bad news was that it had begun to leak, and thus Marti would have to fight off the infection. As I write these lines, her body is mounting a fierce struggle against foreign invaders. Many people far and near are praying for her recovery.

Times such as these provide us opportunities to learn. Not that we would ever choose such an opportunity, but when they come our way, we have no choice but to live the experience out and try to draw upon His grace to get us through. I have so much to learn. I am learning. Please allow me to attempt to put onto paper a few of the things that I am struck with because of this nightmare:

1.  Our family is so much a part of the fabric of our lives. Others are very important, but one’s flesh and blood is your life. We take each other for granted too much. We assume things will always be alright. When an earthquake rocks our foundation, then things become so trivial and people so crucial. We do not tell each other often enough, ‘I love you.’
2. Things happen so fast. One moment you’ve got life on cruise control, and then around the next corner there’s a major pile-up. It all comes so quickly and without time to prepare. The frames of our life freeze and everything has a different perspective.
3. Prayer is so important. Not only your prayers but the prayers of anyone who believes in prayer. We can listen to or read lists with a certain detachment until our flesh and blood is one of those names. Then, the prayers of those who believe become huge. We can never overestimate the privilege and power of prayer.
4. God’s ways are inscrutable. Bottom line must ever be, ‘Thy will be done.’  Don’t try to rationalize it or even understand or explain it. God loves us with an everlasting love, and whatever He allows to come our way has to be seen through those lenses. And we know there is a purpose for His glory.
5. A support group of people of like precious faith is of incalculable worth. What a blessing the dear folk of Thompson Road Baptist Church are to us. We are surrounded by a family that loves us. A hug. A handshake. A hand on the shoulder. A phone call. A card and word of encouragement. All are priceless.

As Marti was rolled to the operating room, I bent over to kiss her cheek. After surgery she mentioned that to Ellen. I have never been very openly affectionate with my family. I feel very deeply for them and love each more than I can tell. But hugs and kisses have never been a part of my expression. In my heart, I have vowed that has to change. I can’t wait until my little girl is well enough to give her a great big hug and kiss. Too bad we are so slow to get it, and that it takes a major crisis to show us where we need to make some changes. I am sure there are many other lessons I will learn through this experience. Stay tuned~

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them that are the called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

(2026 Update: Little could I have known that in less than four years (April 2007) from the time that we almost lost Marti through an appendicitis infection, her precious son, eleven-year old David, would be called into God’s presence—ironically, due to a ruptured appendix that initially was mistaken by medical personnel for the flu. The pain was almost unbearable, and none of us have ever gotten over it entirely, but the grace God is getting us through it still, day by day. Prayer and the unshakeable confidence in the truth of the above verse, Romans 8:28, plus the always abundant grace of our great God, have made the difference. I hope everyone who reads this knows Him personally. If it has not yet happened, one day it will: a phone call, a knock on the door, a diagnosis in a special hospital counseling room—and your “nightmare” will happen; then you will know, as you have never known, the power and preeminence of prayer, and the greatness of His abundant grace. Suffering is inevitable; getting through it is possible, and only with the help of Him who loved us and gave His Son to die for us. Accept Him today if you have not yet done so!)

Ever notice how bad news travels fast while good news barely makes the rounds?

Case in point: when George H.W. Bush was president, he once collapsed at a state dinner in Japan. The news traveled instantly, of course, and one major network was poised to go on the air with the bogus report (which was canceled at the last minute) that President Bush had died. Bad news does indeed travel with lightning speed.

How about good news? Let’s see: how long does it take you—if you listen to or watch the news regularly—to think of some really good news that you have heard? Well, one might have to ponder that question for a few minutes—though, thankfully, there are broadcasts that do feature positive, encouraging stories regularly.

Good reports are crucial in the health of a body, a nation, a church, a business, or any organization. The opposite of a good report is an evil, or bad, report. Evil reports are disseminated by whisperers (who secretly or privately pass on a bad story: “All they that hate me whisper against me” (Ps. 41:7); gossips (who magnify and sensationalize rumors or partial information); slanderers (who seek to destroy another person’s reputation or credibility with damaging facts); and busybodies (who dig up evil reports and spread them through gossip, whispering, slandering). Evil reports are communicated through words, facial expressions, gestures, and tones. Each can be one of Satan’s devices.

But what is a good report? How does one give a good report? What does a good report do? How can one avoid an evil report? Solomon, in his book of Proverbial wisdom, is my primary source.

1. What is a good report?
   • It may conceal secrets that could damage a person: “A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.” (Provs. 11:13) “Hatred stirreth up strife: but love covereth all sins.” (Provs. 10:12)
   • It helps instead of hurts: “A true witness delivereth souls, but a deceitful witness speaketh lies.” (Provs. 14:25)
   • It is of excellent speech: “Excellent speech becometh not a fool….” (braggart, grumbler, vulgar). (Provs. 17:7) “A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth, and a word fitly spoken in due season, how good it is!” (Provs. 15:23)
   • It is born of thought: “The heart of the righteous studieth to answer.” (Provs. 15:28)
   • It is couched in wholesome words: “A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.” (Provs. 15:4)
2. How do you give a good report?
   • By telling the truth; by revealing information that is helpful; by withholding information that is hurtful; by speaking that which edifies (cf. Numbers 13:32 and Numbers 14:7,8 for a comparison of what a positive report versus an evil report will do).
3. What does a good report do?
   • It protects people: “A man that beareth false witness against his neighbor is a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow.” (Provs. 25:18)
   • It promotes truth: “He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit.” (Provs. 12:17)
   • It promotes health: “There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.” (Provs. 12:18)
   • It provides encouragement: “The lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for want of wisdom.” (Provs. 10:21)
   • It prevents destruction: “Where no wood is there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.” (Provs. 26:20)
   • It prompts peace: “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.” (Provs. 15:1)
4. How to detect and avoid carriers of an evil report.
   • They usually check for acceptance by asking for your opinion about someone, or by dropping a negative comment about a person first.
   • They may create curiosity: “Have you noticed how so and so has been acting lately?”
   • They may disguise it by asking for counsel or by asking for prayer.
   • They will often disclaim credit: “Don’t quote me on this but….”
   • A look of disapproval will often discourage someone who wants to share an evil report: “The north wind driveth away rain: so doth an angry countenance a backbiting tongue.” (Provs. 25:23)

In II Samuel 15, verses 1-6, there is an example of what a person with an evil report can do. The main character is a son of King David, Absalom. He is portrayed as one who rises early, stations himself at the gate, and waits for anyone who has a controversy on which he wants the King to render a judgment. Absalom hears the complaint, then answers that it is too bad no one is “deputed” by the King to hear his complaint. “Oh that I were made judge in the land, that every man which had any suit or cause might come unto me, and I would do him justice!” (II Sam. 15:1-6)

Well, you know how that story ended! Absalom spread evil reports about his father, resulting in an eventual insurrection against the King, who eventually had to leave his throne and Jerusalem…the end of the story…the tragic death of Absalom. Oh, what terrible consequences an evil report can wreak!

Be careful of the report you choose to pass on. Is it true? Helpful? Necessary? Uplifting? Edifying? Do not be party in listening to or passing on evil reports. Be careful. Be safe.

“The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going.” (Provs. 14:15)

Thirty years ago, Evangelist Neil Cadwell visited Ukraine and, while there, fell in love with the country and its people. The Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic had existed from 1922 to 1991. After the fall of the Soviet Union, it became an independent nation. Evangelist Cadwell came home from his trip to Ukraine and founded the Slavic Baptist Institute in 1996, for the purpose of assisting local Ukrainian churches in training leaders “grounded in biblical doctrine and sound ministry philosophy.” In the 30 years since its beginning, SBI has graduated 200 such men and women who are serving their churches, having been trained and equipped to be more effective leaders.

When Dr. Cadwell was called to his eternal home in 2017, Dr. Rick Arrowood became SBI’s director. Under his leadership the Bible Institute has continued, even as Ukraine fights to maintain its independence from Russia, which invaded Ukraine in 2022.

Slavic Baptist Mission (the umbrella organization that supports SBI, based in Muncie, Indiana) also supports several churches and pastors in other countries. In recent years, believers in Laos sent out an “SOS” to Missionary Derek Thomas (Julie). In response, the Thomases have begun a Bible Institute in Laos and another in India. Derek and Julie Thomas serve under the auspices of Slavic Baptist Mission. Laos Bible Institute was held its first graduation service in January of this year. There were 16 graduates and a student body of 72. A graduate-level program has been started that will offer twice-yearly sessions designed to “strengthen doctrinal foundation and sharpen ministry skills.” The gospel, through the Laos Bible Institute, is finding its way deeper into the country, with churches being organized and an orphanage being started. Similar evangelistic efforts in India are producing encouraging results in Pune, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Chennai, and Kolkata. Missionary Derek Thomas writes: “We count it a joy to serve alongside faithful men in India and are deeply grateful for the expanding opportunities to strengthen national leaders and facilitate the proclamation of the gospel.” Three conferences were held in January, with around 150 pastors in one location and 75 and 35 in a second and third location.

Back to the ministry in Ukraine. Slavic Baptist Mission has distributed almost 20 million pounds of humanitarian aid and over one million New Testaments there since 2022, through an outreach known as COMPASSION FOR UKRAINE. The gospel has been given out, along with food and material aid, while churches have been started and believers strengthened.

Dr. Arrowood, with his wife, Dolly, travels thousands of land and air miles each year, introducing SBI to local churches and pastors. This year, Dr. Arrowood visited Ukraine and, with his assistant, Rev. Carl Lindermon, was present for the graduation service on this 30^th year of the Institute. He was there when Russia unleashed a merciless attack on Kiev. The deadly missiles drove them, with their Ukrainian hosts, to basements and shelters for safety. I heard Bro. Arrowood say, “This trip was life-changing for me.” Churches and their members, who live with this daily in Ukraine, are testifying that war cannot stop the power of the gospel from reaching and changing the hearts of people. Churches are meeting with capacity crowds; people are being saved and added to the church. The ravages of war cannot mute the singing of God’s people, who gather together to worship; nor can it thwart the power of the Holy Spirit of God in regenerating men and women and children who trust in Him, calling upon Jesus Christ to save them from their sins.

It was my privilege to visit Ukraine in the late 1980s, just as the former Soviet Union was beginning to open up to the visits of foreigners. The late Evangelist Ed Nelson and myself, with a few other people, were guided by Natasha Vins as we visited believers—many of whom had suffered in Soviet prisons in Russia (Moscow, St. Petersburg) and Ukraine (Kiev, Kharkov, Rostov on Don)—and preached, participated in the Lord’s Table, and conducted seminars for pastors. I too fell in love with the Russian and Ukrainian people. I had prayed for Natasha’s father and family for years before her father, the late Georgi Vins, was released from prison in a swap of Russian prisoners for some Russian spies who were being detained in America. The then-U.S. president, Jimmy Carter, negotiated this swap. So, every meeting in Russia and Ukraine was an experience that I had to pinch myself to see if it was real or not! After we landed in Moscow, taxiing to our hotel, we were stunned to see a huge billboard that read, “God Bless America!”

I was honored to serve on Brother Cadwell’s mission board, and I am serving still under the leadership of Dr. Arrowood, though in an “emeritus” capacity. I urge any pastor who reads this, or any lay person, to pray about and seriously consider having Dr. Arrowood present to your church the ministry of Slavic Baptist Mission. Through this faith ministry, the gospel is reaching into Ukraine and now Laos and India. This ministry needs partners; and it is certainly worthy of your prayers and help. Contact Dr. Arrowood at rickarrowood@slavicbaptistmission.org or by phone at (317) 504.4102.

“For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God.” (2 Cor.9:12)

Here is a very partial list of things that have caused—at some time or another, in one place or another—division or offence between brothers in Christ. Some may be areas wherein you have definite convictions; others may not:

•  Eating certain kinds of meat; drinking coffee or other beverages that contain caffeine or other stimulants; watching television and going to movies; swimming in a pubic pool or at a pubic beach; wearing certain kinds of clothing; eating in restaurants that serve alcohol; attending suppers served in a church gathering; singing in a church service to the accompaniment of a piano; sitting in a Sunday School classroom with members of the opposite sex; allowing pictures of Christ to be hung in our homes; attending a sporting event on Sunday; taking a job that requires one to work on Sunday; drinking alcohol at lunch, or “social drinking”; shopping in a store that sells beer or alcohol.

Most of the above will seem archaic to today’s readers. The list could be updated to 2026, but I have drawn from a set of division-causing practices that—over the past fifty years or so—have divided believers somewhere, to some degree.

In Romans 14 and 15, there are three guiding principles set forth that should govern what we do when faced with matters that are “doubtful” and potentially divisive to believers.

But first, we should remember that a sincere believer is committed to doing right in all matters of faith and practice. God’s Word is very specific on most matters: for instance, drinking alcohol, gluttony, worldly amusements (such as “sports betting”—or any kind of gambling), and more. In I Thess. 5:22 Paul urges the first century church to “abstain from all appearance of evil.” In Romans 13:14, the apostle says that “whatsoever is not of faith is sin.” So, if you eat or drink something that violates your conscience, then you are compromising your convictions—and that cannot be of faith.

Here, then, are the three overriding principles that the Bible binds believers to in all matters of our relationships to other believers with whom we may differ on certain beliefs:

1. Every believer has liberty in Christ Jesus, and every believer must “be persuaded” in his/her own mind (Rom. 14:15). We will answer individually for ourselves and not for others; and if we do something that we cannot do “in faith” with a clear conscience before the Lord, then we are sinning (Rom. 14:12,23). A word of caution is in order here: “Liberty” is not “license.” “What then, shall we sin,  because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid! Being made free from sin, we ought to be servants of righteousness.” (Rom. 6:15,18)

2. We must not knowingly offend a brother who is “weaker” but, rather, walk charitably. (Rom. 15:13-15)
   • The law of love transcends the law of liberty. (I Cor. 8:9-13) We are forbidden to sin against a brother, and we are warned against wounding the conscience of a weaker brother.
   • All things are lawful, but all things are not necessarily expedient. (I Cor. 10:23)
   • We have a responsibility not to violate the conscience of another brother. (I Cor. 10:23) I have been guilty of this in years past (unintentionally), eating in restaurants that sold alcohol with a dear saint whose conscience was offended by my “liberty.”

3.  All that we do should be done to promote unity amongst the brethren (Rom. 15:1 ff.)
   • We ought to bear the infirmity of the weak rather than pleasing ourselves. (Rom. 15:1).
   • We ought always seek ways to build up one another in the faith (Rom. 15:2).
   • We ought to glorify God in all that we do (Rom. 15:6).

The above outline is from a message I prepared and preached 46 ago. Things that were “doubtful” then are generally not doubtful today in most Christian fellowships. When Ellen and I moved to Indianapolis in 1979, there were virtually no stores open for business on Sunday because of the “blue laws” that would soon be abolished. Restaurants that had liquor on the menu were the exception; of late, even restaurants that were until recently “family friendly” and alcohol-free are serving alcoholic beverages. Old mores have been discarded by those who were once considered “legalistic.”

So, the 21^st-century Bible-believer is navigating a different world at the beginning of this third millennium A.D. But, what has not changed are the Biblical principles listed in the above texts. The application may change but not the essence. It is still wrong to offend a brother over such non-essentials as meat. Charity (love) still trumps everything; and doing anything that will wound our conscience—even while proving that we have “liberty” to do it—is sin.

I hope this review of timeless biblical guidelines will cause all of us to be more sensitive and sensible in “walking the walk” of faith in a world full of hidden “mines” that, if ignored, might destroy our work and witness for His kingdom’s sake.

“Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend. All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.” (I Cor. 8:13; 10:23)

Led of the Holy Spirt of God, four Gospel writers give us the soul-shaking account of history’s darkest deed—the murder of the Holy Son of God—in fewer total words than you might find in the preface of the average book published today.

Those who know and love the Lord Jesus come often to these accounts to read and reread about that infamous day, when the Creator was crucified by the creature; when the only sinless man ever to inhabit human flesh was put to death by sinful men; when He who had healed and helped so many as He walked and talked upon this earth was tortured, mocked, and crucified, refusing any help even from legions of angels who stood by watching and waiting for the command to come to His rescue.

What an awful deed and day it was! All of nature went into a convulsive shock. The sun and moon and stars hid their faces while the earth shook in disbelief and disapproval as God the Son allowed Himself to bear the sin of the whole human race—the penalty and payment so that any who would receive His amazing grace, through His everlasting love, could and would be saved.

In Luke’s account, an intriguing statement is tucked into the middle of Chapter 23: “And there followed Him a great company of people.” Jesus was on His way to the cross, the place of death by crucifixion. And, a great company of people followed Him! Who would have followed Jesus to Calvary on that crucifixion day?

I think we might be able to pick out several kinds of people in that great company, and the likes of those people are still in some respect with us yet today:

1. The casual (or curious): They had heard of Him and had hoped to see one of the miracles for which He was famous. Luke says Herod was happy when Jesus was brought before Him that day, “because he had heard many things of him; and he had hoped to have seen some miracle done by Him.” (Luke 23:8) People who wanted to be where the action was, did not want to miss out on anything, and had nothing better to do that were no doubt in that crowd.

2. The concerned—maybe personified in Pilate, who said, “I find no fault in Him,” and “What evil hath He done?” and “I have found no cause of death in Him.” Pilate, Roman puppet governor, who was willing to release to the rabble the righteous One, no doubt thinking that Christ was a “good man” who had done nothing deserving of death.

3. The calloused: who beat Him, mocked Him, cast lots for His parted garments, and in the end nailed Him to the cross.

4. The compassionate, represented by one Joseph of Arimathea, who “begged the body of Jesus…took it down, and wrapped it in linen, and laid it in a sepulcher that was hewn out of stone, wherein never a man before was laid.” (Luke 23:50,51)

5. The committed: those who, like the women who had followed every moment of that dreaded day with sorrow, suffering, and separation from their Lord, and who would return with prepared spices and ointments with which to anoint His body for a proper burial the day following the sabbath. (Luke 23:55,56)

Luke records: “The people stood beholding.” No doubt you and I were in that crowd with all the rest, “beholding.” In what group do you find yourself today? Remember those prophetically spoken words by the prophet, “Is it nothing to you, all ye that pass by?” (Lamentations 1:12)
Were you there? Is it nothing to you?

“Were you there when they crucified my Lord? Were you there when they nailed Him to the tree? Oh! Sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble: were you there when they crucified my Lord?” (Traditional Spiritual; Music, Adapt. John W. Work and Frederick Work)

I ask you again, just now, “Were you there?”

“When Jesus came to Golgotha, they hanged Him on a tree; They drove great nails through hands and feet, and made a Calvary.

They crowned Him with a crown of thorns, red were His wounds and deep; for those where crude and cruel days, and human flesh was cheap.

When Jesus came to Birmingham, they simply passed Him by; they never hurt a hair of Him, they only let Him die.

For men had grown more tender, and they would not give Him pain; they only just passed down the street, and left Him in the rain.

Still Jesus cried, ‘Forgive them, for they know not what they do.’ And still it rained the wintry rain that drenched Him through and through;

The crowds went home and left the streets without a soul to see,

And Jesus crouched against a wall and cried for Calvary.”

(“Indifference,” by G.A. Studdert Kennedy, 1883-1929)

“And sitting down they watched Him there.” (Matt. 27:36)