Today’s scripture: Matthew 12:38-42 (ESV-text and audio) (KJV) (The Message) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Steve Adams):
Do you ever get caught up in “yes” to the point it becomes a bad habit? By that I mean, do you ever think that, in order to be a good disciple of Jesus, you have to say yes to every request that comes your way? Well, here’s a great example of how right it can be to say no!
Jesus could have thought, “Well, even though the scribes and Pharisees aren’t sincere in their request, I’ll say ‘yes’ anyway, because I bet I can draw more people to myself by doing some extra signs!” But of course He didn’t. Neither did He let fear talk Him into thinking, “Maybe I won’t be the true Messiah if I don’t do this.”
Jesus was secure in waiting for the ultimate sign to happen — namely that He would be buried for three days and three nights, and then rise from the dead. He knew the Pharisees thought he was performing His miracles by Satan, and that they wouldn’t even believe that ultimate sign.
So what about “yes” and “no” for you and me? Life is complex, and there are so many times when it almost seems like yes is the right answer, when in fact it’s not. It might be tempting to say yes. . . it might give me temporary relief from guilt to say yes. . . it might make me feel closer to the person asking if I say yes. But, wisdom may be urging me to say a loud (but polite), clear, fearless no!
Sometimes saying no can open up our schedule for something much bigger and better God has in store for us — a schedule that would have been full had we said yes. Other times it enables us to do something for God that we otherwise couldn’t. For example, I had to turn down going to a movie in order to write this devotional (as the song from Evita says, Don’t cry for me, Argentina!). Seriously though, saying no can also give us the opportunity to get some much-needed rest and relaxation.
The freedom to say no brings responsibility with it, though. I don’t want to say no because I’m not sufficiently motivated to do what God’s calling me to do. Saying “Yes, Lord” is what discipleship is all about, isn’t it?
Thought for the day: Saying no could free me to say yes to some great opportunities God will provide in the future.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.