Kate said decline.
Go
It has always seemed to me that the Christian walk is one of saying ‘no’.
In saying ‘yes’ to God, we have to decline so many things. In deciding to follow Jesus, we have to continuously turn away from the (many) things that appeal to our flesh. The cost of saying yes to these things is not always obvious. Often, the appeal is because they are pleasurable, we get that dopamine hit our brains crave, and the act, (whatever it is) almost always seem harmless.
What harm can it do to pass on that bit of gossip? To entertain that thought? To take that short cut that is not exactly by the book? To take that thing, no one will know and you might even need it for a justifiable reason? Sometimes, saying yes to these things, can seem like the logical thing to do. They make sense.
Today is Good Friday and my mind can’t help but be full of Jesus and the price He paid for my sins even before I was born. He chose to say no to so many things. Over and over again. The “Yes” of the universe (Col 1:15-18; 2 Cor 1:20 and John 1:3) said “no” to taking the easy way out. For my sake.
“For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.”
“For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us”
Jesus was tested and tempted in the wilderness after his 40-day fast when he was at his weakest physically and craving relief. But He declined Satan’s offer to take the easy way out and bow to him (Matthew 4: 1-11). If He had taken the devil’s offer, He could have avoided the shame and pain of the cross. But then where would we be?
It “makes sense” in our human wisdom if He would have commanded stones to bread. After all, He was fully God and he had already fasted. What more was needed? Where was the problem? I don’t believe supernatural help or eating was the problem, rather Jesus chose to submit to God’s timing and will.¹ He said “no” to the enemy over and over again (Matt 4: 1-4, 7 and 10). Then the devil left Him and angels came and ministered to Him (Matt 4:1:11). He won!
Right up until the end, Jesus continued to say “no” to things that didn’t make sense for Him to decline. In Matthew 27:34, he turned down a drink that would have eased the pain of the impending crucifixion.
I learnt in my research today that back then, wine mixed with myrrh or gall was used as a painkiller.¹ This discovery left me stunned. All this time, I didn’t know the significance of that drink. But, today, I couldn’t believe that He had the opportunity to ease even a little of what He would have known would be unbearable and inexplicable agony, but He didn’t take it. Surely, it would have been OK? My human mind reasoned. He was already nailed to the cross, he had already been flogged, mocked, ridiculed. He was dying anyway. He must have paid the price by then aready, one sip of a painkiller surely wouldn’t undo all that.
But, no. Jesus declined the drink and chose to endure the suffering. He paid the price for us totally, completely, without any blemish. No shortcuts. For me. For you.
It seems to me that the Christian walk is one of saying “no” to gain the ultimate “yes”.
Hebrews 12:1-2 NKJV
“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God”
Amen
This post has been shared on the following blog link-ups – Five Minute Friday and Let’s Have Coffee
(Image credit: Daniel Herron on Unsplash)
What a thoughtful post. Thinking about Jesus declining the gall is so timely. I’m so thankful that He said “yes” to the cross. Jesus changes everything!
Yes He does! I’m ever grateful 🙏🏽
This is a gospel to the World, not just to a nation. Spiritually inspiring and Biblically genuine. More anointing.
Thank you!
Very convicting.
Praying for grace to stand faithful
Thought provoking Post. God would love this one! Thank you🌱✝️🌿
excellent thoughts.