Daily Devotions
It has been a good many years since a middle-aged Milwaukee school teacher invested her life savings in a business enterprise which had been sold to her in a most elaborate manner.
Unfortunately, the person who did the selling was a swindler.
Only after her investment had disappeared and the wonderful dream of a wealthy future had been shattered, did she contact the office of the Better Business Bureau. They were shocked at how badly and completely she had been swindled.
“Why on earth,” they asked, “didn’t you come to us first? Didn’t you know about the Better Business Bureau?” “Oh, yes,” said the lady sadly, “I’ve always known about you. But I didn’t come because I was afraid you’d tell me not to do it.”
As strange as the true story sounds, every one of us is forced to admit that we have done the same when it comes to the will of God.
Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden were afraid God would tell them not to. So they ate first. When it came to the trial and death of Jesus, the Priests were afraid to read about the Old Testament Messianic prophecies. They might have found God didn’t want them condemning an innocent Man. Pilate didn’t go to God, but trusted his own political devices. The mob that called for Jesus’ death didn’t go to God, but followed their blood lust. That’s the way it was for people in the Bible.
Sadly, you and I have to admit we are often just as guilty.
We also have acted according to our own will, and only afterwards visited God. We followed that path of action because we were afraid God would say “No!”
Yes, humanity likes to go its own way. Which is why Jesus is so very different.
Jesus didn’t think that He knew better than His Father. He didn’t put His will first. Even though it meant He would end up dying for the people who hated Him, Jesus always consulted the will of His Father both first, last, and always.
Thank God that He did. Because He followed His Father’s wishes and died on the cross of Calvary, the plan of salvation is completed. Now, after His third-day resurrection from the dead He is glorified and those who believe in Him are saved.
THE PRAYER: Lord Jesus, I often act and then ask. Help me get my priorities right. Accept my prayers of thanks that you have been glorified in following the Father’s will. Help me praise You for walking the path which has saved me. In Your Name I ask it. Amen.