We do not normally think of “security issues” in the first century of the Common Era.
“Security issues” we think of – as being only a recent development of our time. Not so.
“Security issues” have been around for a long-“long time.”
Today we think of things like: Cyber crime, hacking, virus’, worms, malware, identity theft and fraud and small time cons…not to mention the major cons…
Airport “security” is on a lot of people’s minds … these days … as people are traveling during the Easter holiday.
Being “secure” means the state of “being free from danger of threat.”
You never know today, you never know…you never knew then, either…
In our present time there is even talk of “hacktivists” and “malware mercenaries”…millions and dare I say even billions of dollars are at risk-annually.
It is a different day.
As I read the gospel account – I was “somewhat surprised” and a little taken back – to read all of the associations with security.
As it turns out – Security was a major concern in the last chapters of the gospel.
“Go,” Pilate says to the priests. You have a guard of soldiers. Make the tomb as “secure” as you can.”
And if you will remember – those who came to arrest Jesus did so with “enhanced security”…they came with torches, swords and clubs.
In response to the night-time arrest, the disciples fled the garden and deserted Jesus, finding their “security” in the cover of darkness and in the swiftness of a runner’s pace.
You may also recall the scene where Peter attempted to follow Jesus at a “safe distance” and found himself warming by a fire when he felt compelled to deny even knowing Jesus – so that he might remain “out of harm’s way.”
I think that was at least three times that he even denied knowing Jesus – just to save his own hide.
And of course, there was Pontius Pilate’s wife – who attempted to keep her husband safe from the prisoner who stood before him – by sending word to Pilate “to have nothing to do with that innocent or righteous man.”
Then, even after Jesus was “safely dead and buried” – the chief priests knew that you can’t be too careful….Pontius Pilate sent them on their way – “Knock yourselves out boys, make it as secure as you can.”
Remember how in one account they even went so far as “sealing the tomb,” – all with security in mind.
I tell you, security was a hot topic in the days and times of Jesus as well! It was all about being kept safe.
But so much for all their plans…and for all their planning…
It didn’t work for them – making the tomb as secure as they could…obviously…
It didn’t work for Peter to follow Jesus at what he thought, was a “safe distance.”
It didn’t work for old Pontius Pilate to wash his hands and make such a big show out of declaring his own innocence.
It didn’t work for the Chief Priests to lock up Jesus in a sealed tomb…
It didn’t work placing a guard of soldiers – to guard the tomb…itself…
Apparently they all misunderstood just “who” they were dealing with…
Every single one of them – under estimated the God factor…and the power of God.
Jesus knew where “true security” could be found. And so do we.
Jesus placed his trust and his faith in God.
Not in men.
Not in the armies of Caesar.
Not in Pontius Pilate.
Not in the legal system of the day…
You know where real security lies…
It comes from Him who has always held you in the palm of his hand…
You think you’ve made it this far on your own?
Security comes from God…the maker of the heavens and the earth…he who has your back…and always has…
There are many lessons to be learned from Easter Sunday…but I am here to tell you – chief among them today – is knowing where “true security lies…”
It is with God…and God alone.