Day 30

Being Told, No!

History records that on April 5, 1792, President George Washington cast the First Presidential veto. How do you respond when you are told, no! There are times when a “No” is the best thing that could happen.

Throughout high school, I had various paying jobs. Since my parents picked up 99% of my expenses, this money went into my savings. My Sunday school teacher was going into the Navy and decided to sell his Corvette. Since I was tired of driving my parent’s four-door, two-tone land yacht, I went to my dad and asked permission to buy the red, Corvette convertible! The cost of the car was not the problem, I had more than enough money. The cost of the insurance was no problem, I was working. There was no reason to say no. But my dad did the unthinkable, he said an emphatic, “No!” He never gave me a reason, just, no! I gave a polite rebuttal. His decision was not deterred. My driving would continue in the four-door sedan. No is not easy to take!

Jesus had ministered for over three years. During His time in Israel, Jesus had said directly and indirectly that He would be crucified. The time for the crucifixion had arrived and Jesus faced the inevitable appointment with the cross. The night before His arrest Jesus sought the permission of the Father to move away from the cross.

Matthew 26:36-46 (CSB) Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he told the disciples, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” 37Taking along Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled. 38He said to them, “I am deeply grieved to the point of death. Remain here and stay awake with me.” 39Going a little farther, he fell facedown and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” 40Then he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. He asked Peter, “So, couldn’t you stay awake with me one hour? 41Stay awake and pray, so that you won’t enter into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 42Again, a second time, he went away and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.” 43And he came again and found them sleeping, because they could not keep their eyes open. 44After leaving them, he went away again and prayed a third time, saying the same thing once more. 45Then he came to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? See, the time is near. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46Get up; let’s go. See, my betrayer is near.”

Three times Jesus asked His Father to let Jesus avoid the crucifixion. Three times the Father’s non-response was a “No.” Jesus had to go to the cross. In each case, the Father did not provide a reason for the understood, no.

The Bible and history provide us the reason for the no.

John 3:16-17 (CSB) For God loved the world in this way: He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. 17For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.
 
Galatians 2:20 (CSB) I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

God the Father said, “No” to Jesus so that you and I could have eternal life. Saying “No” to Jesus was the best thing that could happen to us!

Have you said, “Yes” to the Father by receiving Jesus as your Savior?

John 1:12 (CSB) But to all who did receive Him, He gave them the right to be children of God, to those who believe in His name, ... 
Posted in