30 But the Pharisees and experts in the law rejected God's purpose for themselves, because they had not been baptized by John.)
Sometimes, I think that we are just plain too “smart” for our own britches! We study and learn and devise plans and ways and schemes that we deem profitable and then believe wholeheartedly that they will come to pass. When God moves counter to those ideas, dreams, goals or whatever we can be quick to reject in disbelief, stomp our feet like two year olds and pitch a “hissy-fit” (a picturesque southern term indeed!). I envision that this was exactly what was going on with the Pharisees and the “experts” in the law of that day! They, of all people, should have recognized and known best about the ministry of the forerunner (John) and the Messiah (Jesus) but John and Jesus didn’t fit into their molds and ideas of what a forerunner and a Savior should look like. Scripture gives us warning about holding too tightly to our own thoughts and plans and devices:30 There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the LORD. 31 The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the LORD. Prov 21:30-31 (NIV)
The Bible Knowledge Commentary states: “Human effort, like human wisdom (v. 30), has its limitations. It is useless to fight against God (v. 30), or without Him (v. 31). Soldiers may use horses in battle, but the superiority of a cavalry unit against foot soldiers is no guarantee of victory. That comes only from the Lord, who can turn battles His way in spite of man’s efforts.” Job also tells us:1 Then Job replied to the LORD: 2 "I know that you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted. Job 42:1-2 (NIV) It is not that we do not make plans; it is that we do not put our faith and trust in them. In light of God’s sovereignty, omniscience and omnipotence, we would do well to put our faith and trust in Him in lieu of what course our finite minds may deem correct. We are told to make plans – “the horse is made ready for the day of battle” and again in Proverbs 14: 22 Do not those who plot evil go astray? But those who plan what is good find love and faithfulness. 23 All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty. Prov 14:22-23 (NIV)
We are to make good and virtuous plans that will not only help ourselves but others. Paul dittos that in Philippians 2: 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4 Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Phil 2:3-5 (NIV)
In stubbornly holding on to our plans though, like the Pharisees, we can reject God’s purpose for our lives. We do not want to go there! His plans and purposes are for our BEST. Jeremiah states:11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jer 29:11 (NIV)
Anybody besides me desire to prosper with hope and a future? I think it may be best that I do not have a vice grip on my own plans of prosperity but cling in faith to the One that can bestow it! “It will do us good to be very empty, to be very weak, and so to go about our Master’s work.” Charles Spurgeon 9 But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Cor 12:9-10 (NIV) 13 “In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed. In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling.” Ex 15:13 (NIV)