I cannot count the number of times I have insisted on something that turned out to be wrong (I wish I could). How embarrassing!! Yes, one of the most frustrating events in life is being convinced in error. I did some research and found that I am not the only one to be sure of his sometime delusions. One story I found came from the scientific community of the early 1900s. 300 published articles claimed a newly discovered radioactive wavelength, the “N-ray.” Some scientists were having trouble replicating the experiments so a group met at the lab of the first publishing scientist. A skeptic in attendance basically unplugged the machine while no one was paying attention and yet at experiment’s end several of the learned community still claimed to have observed the mysterious new N-rays.
I am so glad I wasn’t self-deluded when I let go of the metal surrounding a fuselage door of an airplane. 13,500 altitude feet of air separated me from the relative safety of the plane and the inevitable consequence of gravitational force. After a heart pounding 8,000 foot “free fall” I pulled the rip cord and a few pounds of nylon and string slowed my descent to an easy and enjoyable pace. I even landed on my feet without even a minor jolt.
During Jesus’ day many thought him self-delusional. His family, his followers, the religious elite all let Jesus know under no uncertain terms that they thought him crazy. Jesus was not dissuaded. He knew his purpose and the cost of his obedience. Although he confessed his humanity in his recorded prayers, the end was always the will, glory and lordship of Father God.
“…looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. “
(Hebrews 12:2–3, ESV)
My friends at Main Street are going to consider how we can follow in Jesus’ footsteps. By month’s end, it is my prayer we are all equally convinced…
TheNarrowRoadPursued 
When you first posted this and I read it, I wanted to comment but the internet went down. So, just to remind you that because someone (actually a peanut farmer) told me as a third grade child that macaroni grew on bushes like peanuts only above ground, I believed it to be true until I was long married and had a five year old son. The point of the comment being that we so very often ‘tell’ someone something when they are young and vulnerable–childlike if you will, and they believe it until someone proves differently. Too often, instead of being “self-deluded” we are deluded by peers, friends, family into believing an untruth. And the most harmful of them are about ourselves. Don’t know why this post inspired these thoughts but for what its worth…
Can’t wait to hear the sermons.