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
The Illustrator: This daily newsletter is dedicated to encouraging
everyone to look towards Jesus as the source of all the solutions to our
problems. It contains a daily inspirational story, a Bible verse and encouraging
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