Unexpected Deliverance and a Faithful Response

The Savior was rejected for many reasons. A significant one being His unexpected deliverance.

He didn’t come as a powerful warrior to remove Roman bondage by force.

He arrived in a manger.

He wasn’t aggressive or loud, as was culturally tied to power.

“He ‘went about doing good’ (Acts 10:38), yet was despised for it. His gospel was a message of peace and goodwill. He entreated all to follow His example.” (The Living Christ)

He walked circumspectly; His eyes were single to His Father’s glory.

He let what was Caesar’s be Caesar’s, and He concerned Himself only with His Father’s will.

He didn't change their circumstances but worked to change them.

Many didn’t like that. Many times, we don’t like that.

Even though the outstretched hand in a crowd held no more issues of blood, only the Savior’s robes. (Luke 8)

And the small man perched in a tree to see Jesus felt anything but small after Jesus saw Him. (Luke 19)

Many argued He wasn’t delivering because He didn’t deliver the way they wanted.

Maybe we find ourselves believing the same.

This feeling of underwhelm is created only by our preoccupation with the plan and our neglect of our relationship with Him Who Created it.

So next time He sleeps before calming the waves,

Or asks me to wait 12 years to be healed,

When my desires to inherit eternal life are met with the stinging invitation to ‘sell all I have’,

And when He invites me to leave the nets I love the very most behind so I can more fully receive what’s to come,

I pray I don’t question Him by my tight grasp on desired outcomes.

Inspired conversations this week left me with these thoughts and the following consideration:

But what if Heaven’s solution to your problem is something you haven’t considered yet?

I recall a moment coloring with my 3 year old cousin Meg who inquired, “Why is the sky blue?”

I expressed the answer I felt sufficient - because God made it that way.

After a pause and thoughtful stare at her Crayola she stated,

“Well He should really get it right, it’s supposed to be green.”

But she colored with the blue, and loved her picture.

When colorblindness of this new degree threatens our confidence, may we continue to color and trust the Master Creator of our life’s picture.

That His deliverance be unexpected and my response be faithful is my humble prayer today.