Nobody Loves Me!

“Nobody loves me, everybody hates me, I’m going down the garden to eat worms.”  This childhood song of self pity captures those ‘Eeyore’ moments when we imagine we’re on our own.  The world is against us. 

            “Pilate couldn’t see that Jesus loved him,” Jeremy told me as he lay tucked up in bed.  I wasn’t sure what he was on about.  “See, Pilate thought he was summoning Jesus but Jesus was summoning himself.”  After a few questions I began to understand what he was saying.  Pilate thought he was in control of Jesus and didn’t realise that it was the other way around.  Jesus was choosing to die.  Naomi chipped in, “He couldn’t see that Jesus loved him and thought he could wash his hands and not take the blame for Jesus’ death.” 

            Pilate couldn’t see that Jesus loved him.  He didn’t realise that Jesus was choosing to die for him.  Do we see how much Jesus loves us?  Do we realise that he has chosen to love us? 

            Jesus looks us in the eye and says, “I died for you.  I’m alive for you.  I’ve given you my Spirit guide and comfort you.”  Yet often we behave as if cannot love us.  How could God love me?  No one really loves me.  Why should God be any different? 

            We have a choice.  Will we receive the love and forgiveness of Jesus or go down to the garden and eat worms?  Judas and Peter both let Jesus down in a big way.  Judas chose not to receive Jesus forgiveness which led him in a bitter downward spiral to his own death.  Peter wept bitterly because of his denials but was restored because he threw himself at the mercy of Jesus.

Prayer:  Lord when the dark cloud of isolation surrounds us may your Spirit come and remind us of the truth.  Open our eyes to see your wounded risen body, ears to hear your word of peace, and hearts to know the joy of being your children.  Amen.