Not Up For Discussion
19/07/09 10:49
Do you remember that time in your
life when your mother said those awful four words
that left you seeking autonomy? You were maybe
between the ages of seven and seventeen and you asked
her permission for something that you knew you had to
have in your life. You had already pondered in your
heart the benefits of your decision, you used much
wisdom in the timing of your question; you even
prepared your request with much good behavior. And
then, with four short words, she shoots you down.
“Because I said so!” With these four
words your mother reinforces her parental rights and
you walk away knowing that she will never offer any
explanation –whatsoever! It is right here in
our young formidable years, that our sinful nature
kicks in to high gear and we swear by everything that
we know (and that isn’t much at seven years of
age ) that we will always say, “Why does it
have to be this way? Why can’t it be my
way?”
Fast forward to the moment that God confronts you with the condition of your soul. He says, “Come now, let us reason together. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. If you are willing and obedient, you will eat from the best of the land; but if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.” This is the ultimate “Because I said so.” Now, it is our human nature to say, “Hey, there must be another option here.” But as far as God is concerned, there is a big period after His statement. It was a final word and there wasn’t anyway He would change His mind. Man’s salvation was not up for discussion. Wait a minute, yes it was. Do you remember when God discussed with Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane? Jesus said, “Father all things are possible with you; if it be possible, let this cup pass from me. Yet, not my will, but Thy will be done.” Guess what? There wasn’t another way and Jesus Christ went to the Cross that ultimately brought the forgiveness of sins for the whole world. Jesus’ sacrifice was God’s way of justly forgiving sin in love. It has always been God’s plan and He accomplished it in the life of Christ. Alleluia! So, when God offered to whiten sin, to remove them from us as far as the east from the west and drop them into a sea, to remember them no more, He offered it without explaining His actions. He didn’t have to. He is God. Man has sinned against Him and He was offering forgiveness. The offer is up for discussion (Come let us reason together.) but the terms are not! (If you are willing and obedient.)
It has been 40 some years since I first heard those four dreadful words from my mother and I have raised my own child in the process. I have even used those words myself! I realize and understand now that my mother knew best and she didn’t need to explain to her young son about the decision that she made. She loved me. She knew more and better understood my situation than I did. She was wiser and in her wisdom she thought it best to let me know that her decision was not up for discussion. Tell me, how could we think of God any less? We need to trust that God knows best. He knows what we need and don’t need in our lives. He is God and He has established a plan that men and women can be reconciled to Him. Let us not question His authority, but let us be willing to be obedient to His plan! This is faith and this is how we are saved!
Fast forward to the moment that God confronts you with the condition of your soul. He says, “Come now, let us reason together. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. If you are willing and obedient, you will eat from the best of the land; but if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.” This is the ultimate “Because I said so.” Now, it is our human nature to say, “Hey, there must be another option here.” But as far as God is concerned, there is a big period after His statement. It was a final word and there wasn’t anyway He would change His mind. Man’s salvation was not up for discussion. Wait a minute, yes it was. Do you remember when God discussed with Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane? Jesus said, “Father all things are possible with you; if it be possible, let this cup pass from me. Yet, not my will, but Thy will be done.” Guess what? There wasn’t another way and Jesus Christ went to the Cross that ultimately brought the forgiveness of sins for the whole world. Jesus’ sacrifice was God’s way of justly forgiving sin in love. It has always been God’s plan and He accomplished it in the life of Christ. Alleluia! So, when God offered to whiten sin, to remove them from us as far as the east from the west and drop them into a sea, to remember them no more, He offered it without explaining His actions. He didn’t have to. He is God. Man has sinned against Him and He was offering forgiveness. The offer is up for discussion (Come let us reason together.) but the terms are not! (If you are willing and obedient.)
It has been 40 some years since I first heard those four dreadful words from my mother and I have raised my own child in the process. I have even used those words myself! I realize and understand now that my mother knew best and she didn’t need to explain to her young son about the decision that she made. She loved me. She knew more and better understood my situation than I did. She was wiser and in her wisdom she thought it best to let me know that her decision was not up for discussion. Tell me, how could we think of God any less? We need to trust that God knows best. He knows what we need and don’t need in our lives. He is God and He has established a plan that men and women can be reconciled to Him. Let us not question His authority, but let us be willing to be obedient to His plan! This is faith and this is how we are saved!
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