14 "But his subjects hated him and sent a delegation after him to say, 'We don't want this man to be our king.'
This verse so reminds me of a young mother’s response to her two year old pitching a fit because the child could not have what she wanted: “It doesn’t really matter what you want!” If you think about it, if our desires are anything contrary to or apart from or less than God’s perfect will it doesn’t really matter what we want – no matter how big a fit we want to pitch or how hard we stomp our feet and plug up our ears! Some things are set in stone and there is no changing them. God is God and it is He that is in control – not man. If we need a quick reminder we should read the last four chapters of Job!
The subjects presented in our verse for today, stated by Jesus in the Parable of the Ten Minas, had no desire for Him to be their king. Ah, the Lordship of Christ – why do we buck it so? Considering all He offers in leading and guiding us with His loving eye constantly upon us; considering the multitude of faithful promises in His Word, considering the powerful Holy Spirit encouraging, equipping, teaching, and comforting – again the question comes to my mind – why is it we buck His Lordship so? Perhaps we believe that we know better than God what is the very best for us. Perhaps like the subjects in our verse for today, we do not want Him as our King. Big mistake! I am reminded of Paul’s words to the church in Corinth:
12 Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. 1 Cor 13:12 (NIV)
God, who makes known the end from the beginning, does not see partially or in tunnel vision. He sees the whole picture in its entirety and lovingly leads His children through paths that will conform them to the image of His Son which brings much peace to His child and much glory and honor to Him. It is the path of peace. It is the good way. The prophet Jeremiah tells us:
16 This is what the LORD says: "Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths,
ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But you said, 'We will not walk in it.' Jer 6:16 (NIV)
“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 - sustained rest, peace, joy and satisfaction belong only to those who submit to the Lordship of Christ. We are all similar to the dove Noah first sent out of the safety net of the ark – we find no rest for our feet apart from His safe Lordship:
9 But the dove could find no place to set its feet because there was water over all the surface of the earth; so it returned to Noah in the ark. He reached out his hand and took the dove and brought it back to himself in the ark. Gen 8:9 (NIV)
“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
Scripture is replete with precious promises for those whom the Lord leads. Below are a few to delight your soul:
"Let the beloved of the LORD rest secure in him, for he shields him all day long, and the one the LORD loves rests between his shoulders." Deut 33:12 (NIV)
1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. Psalms 23:1 (NIV)
2 Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits-- 5 who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's. Psalms 103:2, 5 (NIV)
15 Blessed are the people of whom this is true; blessed are the people whose God is the LORD. Psalms 144:15 (NIV)
3 You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Isaiah 26:3 (NIV)
28 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matt 11:28-30 (NIV)
“How it pays to take one step at a time with God!” Isobel Kuhn