Summer 2011/2012 in the Southern hemisphere was greeted by heavy
flooding in the Bay of Plenty, New Zealand. Some areas received 390mm of
rain, more than what they received in any given month, in just 48 hours.
The rain persisted as if it had no end. It flooded State Highway 2, as
well as numerous other roads in the region. Warning signs were placed on
every road implicated in the flooding, hoping to deter disaster for
anyone who was unaware of the possible dangers.
One couple drove
right by those menacing warnings. They thought they were in control, and
nothing could stop them. Once near Whakatane however, their vehicle was
swept away by the current.
As it happened, the passenger lowered
her window just in time. It was a gesture that would save them. With
difficulty, they were able to swim to the bank, where they remained,
shivering with cold, until authorities could come to their rescue. Not
only had they lost they vehicle, they also faced the wrath of
authorities for putting their lives, as well as the lives of those who
were implicated in the rescue operation, at risk. Too late they realized
that truly no human can be in complete control.
Adam and Eve also
realized this same truth. The very first temptation in Eden was about
control and pride: "For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will
be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil." (Gen 3:5
NIV)
Jesus was tempted in the same way, though He never fell into
temptation: "If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become
bread." (Matt 4:3 NIV) It was again an urge from the evil one for Jesus
to prove Himself by taking matters in His own hands.
The second
temptation wasn't any better: "If you are the Son of God," he said,
"throw yourself down. For it is written: 'He will command his angels
concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you
will not strike your foot against a stone.'" (Matt 4:6 NIV)
The
third temptation appealed not only to control, but also to the pride of
possession: "The devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him
all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 'All this I will give
you,' he said, 'if you will bow down and worship me.'" (Matt 4:8-9 NIV)
Silly, don't you think? But very efficient!
Even today, most,
if not all of us, fall for this same trick: We are tempted with issues
of control and pride.
Sin is not just disobedience and doubting
God. It especially involves taking matters into our own hands with the
goal of being in total control. We are in the driver's seat, and if you
don't like our driving, you can get out! It's all about: Me, Me, ME!!!
Sin cannot lead to the rest Jesus promised in Matthew 11:28, as
there is no rest for the wicked. Worries increase as we try to remain in
total control of the kingdom we have tried to establish, a realm that,
though it may seem enormously important to us, is actually quite
insignificant when compared to the vastness of the universe!
Jesus came not only to save us from ourselves, but also to demonstrate
that real living can only be obtained by leaving all of our control
issues in God's hands. He is the One who knows best. He cares for us
better than we can possible care for ourselves. He is the One we must
leave in charge. With Him, we truly have nothing to worry about. He will
take care of us!
"Apart from me you can do nothing." (John 15:5
NIV)
"I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself; he
can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father
does the Son also does." (John 5:19 NIV)
"I have come to do your
will, O God." (Heb 10:7 NIV)
Oh Lord, help me daily to leave all
control to You. I have done so many blunders by insisting on doing
everything by myself. From now on Lord be my King, be in my driver's
seat. I relinquish all control to You, my Guide, Helper and Sustenance.
With You at the helm, I am at peace. Thank You, Lord, for being my guide
in all things.
You better start lowering your window! Danger lies
ahead!
Rob Chaffart
Nothing Can Stop Me. Only in Jesus, Part 4
Today's Bible Verse:
"I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do
only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the
Son also does." (John 5:19)
Nothing Can Stop Me. Only in Jesus, Part 4
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