Boogers don't cause cancer.

     There are all kinds of truth reported that we believe or at least honestly take an interest in.  For instance, "boogers don't cause cancer."  So, what do they cause?  They cause uncomfortable and maybe even sick reactions.  People will long remember the one who eats boogers but forget that most of us went through a time in life where we were the guilty ones.  There are others as well.  An example would be, "you cannot swim for an hour after eating.  Really!?  Don't step on a crack.  Nope, that doesn't work either.  So many phrases we use are simply selling points that people are trying to earn so they can be elevated while others put down.
     This morning I read the account of Peter's denial of Jesus from Matthew. The whole account needs to be seen from a time focus.  This took place at night.  It would have been dark with the businesses closed long ago.  There was a female serving men and there was a fire burning.  Jesus was being brought to those who wanted him dead.  He had predicted (prophesied) that Peter would betray him 3 times before the cock crowed.  Those who have raised chickens know there can only be one rooster to a bunch of chickens.  The rest of the roosters are dinner.  The area is dark and quiet.  The chickens are asleep as are the people.  The exception are those around the fire.  After Peter had denied Jesus for the 3rd time; the rooster crowed.  Can you imagine how loud that was?  We are all guilty of denying Christ. 
     There are so many fabrics of life woven together in order that we read the story AND understand the implications.  So often we are so preoccupied with what happened versus why it happened.  Jesus did not do anything contrary to God's will.  Did he pick his nose?  See, you wanted to know that others too had negative habits too.  It's a distraction the enemy has designed to keep us from seeing Jesus in the action, words, and interactions.  And so we do that work ourselves when we do not see people as Jesus sees people. There are times when I have denied Jesus.  So, why haven't I been struck with lightening?  Why am I spared God's condemnation for the wrongs I have chosen?  Because God loves US and not what sin we commit. 
     There is one more event that exemplifies a repulsive event in our world.  When Jesus was arrested, tried, and then killed, it was the most cruel and disgusting thing that could be done to a person.  He was stripped of his clothes, whipped to the point of being unrecognizable.  His blood covered the place were this had taken place.  Hi was given a crown of thorns.  The thorns were most likely 2-3 inches long.  They were driven into his skull.  He was stabbed with a spear in the side until the water and the blood flowed.  Maybe this is what disgusts us.  Maybe we are more disgusted that he did nothing to stop this killing.  We are a people who are all about fairness with others and grace for ourselves.  Peter had thought of himself.  John was there with Jesus during the whole process.  John could have been like the others and fled.  But he joined in with Jesus' pain and suffering.  That is what makes John an incredible author.
     Suddenly picking your boogers isn't such a huge issue.  Neither is not washing your hands or any of a number of disgusting (our definition) events that transpire everyday.  What's important is Jesus needing us to be at the Cross with him.  We need to acknowledge that Jesus actions were those which he wanted us to remember.  Why?  Because Jesus was the story in human form.  He, and only he, could save a lost people.  NOTHING else matters.  Nothing.  We've run away from God, denied God and took place in Jesus' death and resurrections.  You aren't going t surprise God with your thoughts and actions.  He just wants us.  Our whole being radiating Jesus to a world that does not know what really is disgusting.