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The ides of March are hastily approaching and it is a day that has come to go down in infamy. One to a piece of literature that posed a dramatic take on the finality of Julius Caesar and the second to a vile betrayal by the contemporaries in his government. The words became etched in time after Shakespeare penned a phrase, “beware the ides of March” as an ominous warning to the great leader. It is something I’ve carried since reading it in high school many years ago. The final moments of Julius Caesar and his last words uttered as: “et tu brute”. The recognition of the closeness in those who conspired in his death, his friend Brutus.

Sitting at the last supper Jesus spoke: “What you must do, do quickly.” It was in a moment that Jesus having pre-known who of them would be his Brutus, spoke clearly with words and a direct charge not to let it linger. Judas accepted the bread and then darted out into the night (John 13: 26-30).

Frothy mugs of good spirits can be found on the bar tops throughout the night. The people enjoying them are sipping at the numbing liquid as it wipes the edges of the mind from the coarseness of the day. Each intake produces a relaxing effect for most. It allows the thoughts to leave the madness of the day’s activities behind for a little while. Solomon said to let them drink to forget the helplessness or miserableness they feel (Proverbs 31:7). And so it is.

Jesus still sitting with the 11 apostles at the table gave a new command: “…love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another (John 13: 34-35 NASB).”

What was God doing? In Genesis 1:27, “God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” Then He follows on with a blessing, “be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it… (v28).” Man went through times of pruning but followed course. David said, “you make him to rule over the works of Your hands, You have put all things under his feet… (Psalm 8:6 NASB).” God had given man charge of His creation.

Rejoining His Father was the next step. Jesus said He was about to be glorified and that His Father would be glorified in Him. This glory would not be delayed any longer, it was imminent. Alerting the 11 to the little bit of time left, Jesus, assured them of a couple things, a new command to love, and although their time was not here, they would follow in His steps (John 13: 31-36).

As we approach the Easter holiday, let us take a little more time in knowing Him. Its His image we were created in. As much as we reflect the lineage of our ancestors, no matter if we have known them or not, so we as Christians, reflect our Savior.

How will you be seen? What are the images you have created? When the mirror is presented, how much of Him will be reflected? With crazy days and reckless abandon let us remember to seek His Face (Psalm 27:8) and while He may be found let us call upon Him. We can find mercy in returning to Him (Isaiah 55: 6-7).

Godspeed, The Journeyman

Ps. As you set your day, remember to ask for a little more of Him today… It isn’t some magical concoction. It is a simple time of seeing an opportunity to love a little more, hope a little longer, understand a little further.