What would you say “No” to, if Jesus asked you to do something? – 2 Samuel 24, Preview

Imagine Jesus shows up at the door of your house one evening, and though you are shocked, of course you let him in.  You ask if he needs anything, such as a drink, food, a place to sit and relax or sleep, anything.  He responds, “Actually, I do need something.  I would like you to …”  And what he says next scares you deeply. You really don’t want to do it.

What could Jesus ask you to do that really don’t want to do?  To be more precise, think about the kinds of things that Jesus might ask you to do.  Think about activities that would help him fulfill the mission of his kingdom.  What are they?  Then try to be honest with yourself. What missional activities would you not want to do?  

Of course, Jesus will not come to your door and ask you to do one of those specific mission activities that you don’t want to do.  Before you breathe a sigh of relief, though, realize that he has already asked you to do those mission activities.  His teaching in the Gospels, and the teaching of his apostles and others in the New Testament, is loaded with mission activities.  

I suspect that it is the very rare Christian who boldly says to Jesus, “No, I refuse to do what you ask, Jesus.”  Instead we likely respond with a vague, “Okay, I will do that eventually,” and then rarely get around to it.  Because we didn’t say, “No,” we can feel we are unburdened by the missional imperative that Jesus gives us.  

What we are doing is simply a delay tactic. If we’re honest, we likely do not intend to follow through.  We delay, delay, delay.  Thus we ease our consciences, but in reality we are saying, “No” to Jesus.  

Why do we do this?  Why do delay?  Why do we avoid following through with what Jesus wants us to do?  

As we continue the story of Israel’s great King David this coming week, I believe the next episode in David’s life will help us answer those questions.  This episode is found in 2 Samuel 24.  I urge you read it ahead of time, and see if you think it is as strange and confusing as I do.  Yet, I believe there is a way to interpret it and apply it to our lives.  Check back here on Monday!

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦 on Unsplash