“But his citizens hated him and sent a delegation after him, saying, ‘We do not want this man to be king over us!’ When he returned after receiving the kingdom, he summoned these slaves to whom he had given the money. He wanted to know how much they had earned by trading.” —Luke 19:14–15
The subjects presented in these verses had no desire for this man to be their king. And yet, they still had a responsibility to him. They could either do their job with a joyful heart or a reluctant spirit … but they still had to do it!
Oh, the lordship of Christ—why is it that we so often resist it? Considering all He offers in leading and guiding us with His loving eye constantly upon us; considering the multitude of faithful promises in His—why is it that we so often resist Him? Perhaps we believe that we know better than God what is best for us. Perhaps, like the subjects in our verse for today, we do not want Him as our King.
This passage reminds me of a young mother’s response to her two-year-old having a temper tantrum. The child could not have what she wanted, and the mother said: “It doesn’t really matter what you want!” If you think about it, if our desires are contrary to or apart from or less than God’s will for us, it doesn’t really matter what we want—no matter how big a fit we pitch or how hard we stomp our feet! Some things are set in stone and there is no changing them. God is God and He is in control!
Our reassurance of the King’s goodness comes in knowing that God, who makes known the end from the beginning, does not see partially or in tunnel vision. He sees the whole picture of our lives in their entirety and lovingly leads us through paths that will conform us to the image of Jesus Christ. This will bring peace to each one of us and glory and honor to Him. It is the good way. Jeremiah tells us:
“The LORD said to his people: ‘You are standing at the crossroads. So consider your path. Ask where the old, reliable paths are. Ask where the path is that leads to blessing and follow it. If you do, you will find rest for your souls.’ But they said, ‘We will not follow it!’” —Jeremiah 6:16
“We judge things by their present appearance; but the Lord sees them in their consequences. If we could do the same we would be perfectly of His mind; but since we can’t, it is an unspeakable mercy that He will manage for us, whether we are pleased with His management or not; and it is regarded as one of His heaviest judgments when He gives any person up to the way of their own hearts, and to walk according to their own wisdom.” —John Newton
There is no doubt about it—rest, peace, joy, and satisfaction belong to those who submit to the Lordship of Christ. When we follow Him, we have a responsibility to do His work.
Scripture contains many precious promises for those whom the Lord leads:
“The beloved of the LORD will live safely by him; he protects him all the time, and the LORD places him on his chest.” —Deuteronomy 33:12
“The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.” —Psalm 23:1
“Praise the LORD, O my soul! Do not forget all his kind deeds!” —Psalm 103:2
“You keep completely safe the people who maintain their faith, for they trust in you.” —Isaiah 26:3
How are we using what God has blessed us with? Are we serving Him and the interest of His kingdom? Expectant and ready for service is how Jesus desires to find believers upon His return. We must be not only working servants but also waiting servants. His charge is for us to be ready and eager for His return.
Become More
“My Father is honored by this, that you bear much fruit and show that you are my disciples.” —John 15:8
“Every Christian life ought to be a force among men, a witness for Jesus and an influence for blessing and good. I know that there are few people like Billy Graham, whom God calls to do great things for Him. For men like me, and perhaps you, the best thing that we can do in the small time allotted to us in this world is to live out a genuine, simple, beautiful, strong Christian life. In our little measure we can repeat the life of the Lord Himself, doing in our imperfect way a few of the wonderful things He would do if He were Himself in our place.” —Wales Goebel
Further Reflections
“God always gives His very best to those who leave the choice with Him.” —Hudson Taylor
“Knowing that we are fulfilling God’s purpose is the only thing that really gives rest to the restless human heart.” —Chuck Colson
“There must be a practical outworking of our faith here in this present world, or it will never endure in the world to come. We need fewer words and more charitable works; less palaver and more pity; less repetition of creed and more compassion.” —Billy Graham
“Come to me, all you who are weary
and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke on you and learn from me,
because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
For my yoke is easy to bear, and my load is not hard to carry.” —Matthew
11:28-30