Commandeering

TITLE: Commandeering
DATE:  Sept. 30, 2019

Christ is risen. He is risen, indeed.

TEXT:. 2 Corinthians 9: -7 - ESV - Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

Over the years I guess I’ve seen about a gazillion or more Police movies. One of the scenes which appears in just about every film occurs when the bad guy is making a getaway. The officer, who is on foot at the time, surveys the cars, picks out what appears to be a fast one and moves toward the driver’s side of the car.

Throwing open the door, he flashes his badge and demands the owner get out of his own car. The man has to get out because, as the officer says, “He is commandeering this car.”You can be sure, the next time the car owner sees his vehicle, it’s guaranteed to be a large pile of scrap metal.

Even so, the man does get out and he does share his car. I admire that. I admire that partially because the Lord Jesus says that I should be ready to share the gifts He has entrusted to my care.

Years before the Savior was born in Bethlehem, a barbarian prince came to Athens. It was his desire to seek a position of service under the successful Athenian admiral, Cimon. So that he might be assured of a favorable audience, he brought with him two containers. One was filled with pieces of gold, the other was overflowing with silver.

Placing them at Cimon's feet he awaited a reaction from the general.

Reviewing the man's gift, Cimon smiled and asked, "Sir, what you would prefer? To have me as your paid mercenary, or your friend?" It was not a hard question, and the prince quickly offered, "I would have you as my friend." "In that case", Cimon said, "take these things away. If I am your friend, your money will be mine whenever I need."

Toward the end of His life Jesus came to Jerusalem. He came as a great Man, and as the Messiah. As the Messiah He had to fulfill the prophecy about him coming on a donkey. Scripture tells how the disciples requested a donkey from an unnamed man.

We can only assume that this man had a soft spot in his heart toward Jesus. That's why the disciples didn't demand the donkey. Nor did they commandeer it. They simply said, "The Master has need." With those words, the question was settled.

How different has been my response to the Lord's requests.

• He has asked me to be compassionate, and I have assumed He meant someone else.
• He has said He would like to use my time in volunteer service, and I got real busy doing other things.
• He has called me to countless tasks, and I have not responded well.

 
 If the disciples had come to me, I might well have said, "Borrow someone else's donkey. I need mine." The Lord of life Who held nothing back in His desire to save me, has the right to ask anything of me.

 Whatever He asks, it would still be far too small a gift of thanks. Next time the Lord says to me, "I have need of something", I believe my answer will be different.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, forgive me for ignoring Your requests for help. Open my heart so that I might hear You, and respond with gladness and gratitude. In Your Name I ask it. Amen. 
 
The music which introduces and concludes our devotions was written by Guy Baumann. He along with three of his brothers perform on the album: The Baumann Brothers which may be ordered here: http://thebaumannbrothers.com/index.html