Two-sided Coin April 2, 2015

¹⁷ And as Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside, and on the way he said to them, ¹⁸ “See, we are going up to Jerusalem. And the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn him to death ¹⁹ and deliver him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified, and he will be raised on the third day.”  Matthew 20:17-19 ESV

Two weeks ago our small group lesson was from the fourth chapter of Luke.  In the story, Jesus and the disciples were headed across the Sea of Galilee when a storm arose.  Jesus was asleep in the bow of the boat.  The disciples were in a panic and asked Jesus if he was concerned they were about to die.  Jesus rebuked the waves then the disciples for their fear.  Since he has said they were going to the side, there was no reason to doubt that coming to pass.  One of the main focal points of the passage is that if God says, then it will come to pass.

As I read today's passage from Matthew, it occurred to me the same truism was present.  For the third time, Jesus tells his disciples of his impending death.  This time he is very descriptive. Priests, Gentiles, flogging, crucifixion, and resurrection.

God had spoken.  This will take place.  Nothing could alter Jesus' path.  His future was sealed.

It is comforting to claim the "positive" promises of God.   Those verses we have committed to memory that have gotten you through a long night and been your solace on a tear-stained pillow.  Promises of comfort, victory, and eternal life.

"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28 

"And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7

But how eager are you to embrace the "negative" promises of God? 

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble." John 16:33   

"For the wages of sin is death."  Romans 6:23 

"The Lord disciplines the one he loves,  
and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.”  Hebrews 12:6

We live in a society where comfort is king.  The alleviation of any negative is the goal of so many.  The other day I heard an advertisement on television for a Mercedes that touted a heated steering wheel.  Heated steering wheel!  When had gloves become obsolete?  What about just waiting 3 minutes until the car warmed up.

God promises comfort, guidance, companionship, but He also promises trials, difficulties, and challenges.  You can't have one without the other.  If you are not experiencing the latter, perhaps you are not living the life God would have you live.