Excuses
Writer Author Cheryl Mariano
Christian Article
:
Christian Living
- Fiction No
Luke 14:18-20 (NLT)
But they all began making excuses. One said, "I have just bought a field and I must inspect it. Please excuse me." Another said, "I have just bought five pairs of oxen, and I want to try them out. Please excuse me." Another said, "I just got married, so I can't come."
I remember a favorite saying of a friend of ours: "Lord, I'll climb the highest mountain, I'll swim the deepest sea, I'll be over next Tuesday... if it don't rain."
Why is it that every good intention is so often accompanied by a greater excuse?
Excuses: who is there amongst us who has never given the Lord an excuse as to why we can't serve Him?
When we take into account the suffering that Jesus went through on our behalf, because of His love for us, we really shouldn't have any excuse why we can't be fully committed to Him.
I often ask myself where we would be if Jesus had succumbed to any one of the following seven excuses that I have so often given.
Excuse #1: "I Want To Do Something Else."
Jesus prayed, "If it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.” (Matthew 26:39b)
Excuse #2: "I'm Too Tired."
Before Jesus went to be crucified, He had four trials, and one appearance before Herod.
Trial 1 before Annas: (John 18:13)
Trial 2 before Caiaphas: (Matthew 26:57)
Trial 3 before Pilate (Matthew 27:2)
The Appearance before Herod: (Luke 23:7)
Trial 4 Once again before Pilate (Luke 23:11)
Excuse #3: "I Might Be Persecuted."
Jesus was spit upon, struck, and slapped. (Matthew 26:67)
Excuse #4. "I Have A Headache."
Jesus wore a crown of thorns. Now that's a headache! (Matthew 27:29a)
Excuse #5: "I Have A Backache."
Jesus' back was scourged with a leaded whip. (Mark 15:15)
Excuse #6: "My Legs Ache."
Carrying the cross, Jesus fell beneath the weight of it. (Matthew 27:32)
Excuse #7: "I Have A Sore Throat."
On the cross, Jesus cried out, "I thirst", and was offered vinegar to drink. (John 19:28-29)
How thankful to God we must be that Jesus did not succumb to excuses when it came to our salvation, but rather, He set His face like a flint (Isaiah 50:7) and went to the cross so that our sin might be forgiven.
Prayer: Father, we pray that You would help us to be more committed in our service and dedication to You. In Jesus' precious name, we pray. Amen.
Cherylmariano@gmail.com
Cheremiahbooks.com
Editor's Comment:
About the Writer Author
State:
Arizona
Country:
United States
Email:
cherylmariano@gmail.com
Website:
cheremiahbooks.com
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