This past weekend, our family did a post mortem on the “Big Cook” and folks were already looking at dates for the next one. Normally, we would get back on schedule and would undertake this massive event again in mid-September. I admit that I’m not ready for this again anytime soon, but I wasn’t going to be the one to say so. However, seeing how tired we all were and how much effort we expended, Janet was quick to weigh in with her thoughts. Clearly, she was an emphatic “No!” I don’t mean she was kind of against it, I mean she meant it when she said, “No!” In a way I was relieved. In fact, I should have spoken up and made my thoughts known. But I didn’t…
I couldn’t argue, even for an instant, with her reasoning. She said we were getting older, that this event, as much as we loved it, took a lot out of me and I needed time to recover after almost two nights of little or no sleep. She’s right. And she loves me… It would be selfish of me to disagree with anything she said. She is protecting me, the way she has done for more than half a century. I would be a fool to disagree. How fortunate I am that Janet loves me as much as I love her. That’s a rare thing in this world today.
I couldn’t help but be reminded of my childhood back in the south side of Chicago. My brothers and I were not shy about asking to do things that were questionable in the eyes of our parents. Of course, if Dad said “No” then we would go ask Mom. If we got a “Yes” from her we were good to go – until Mom and Dad compared notes and realized that we had become adept at approaching the easier parent and hoping that at least one of them would agree to our plan. Of course, who we approached first depended on what we wanted to do!
Frankly, this went on for years. I was the oldest and I wasn’t as bold as Doug, so he was even better at getting his way than I was. He was a master at getting one parent or the other to yield to his wishes. I never really did develop that skill…
The day finally came when Dad sat us all down and said that there was a new rule in the house. In order for us to get our way, both Mom and Dad had to say “Yes” but either one of them could say “No” and the issue was dead – and I don’t mean we might get our way. Dad said it with such emphasis that dead meant “DEAD.” There was no chance if that terrible “No” was uttered by either one of them. Both Doug and I were held to the standard of reporting the truth when questioned by either Mom or Dad – or else…
I quite honestly haven’t thought about that house rule for decades, until this past weekend. I like to think I would have gone along with the flow, but Janet’s “No” reminded me of Mom and Dad when I was a little guy. There was no chance that she was going to change her mind. Another cook this fall was out of the question. We were looking at winter, best case… and nobody better ask again…
In a show of unity, I agreed with her. That’s how it should be. Parents should be aligned no matter what. Janet and I have operated that way since we got married but it has almost never been an issue. Our record is still in tack.
I got to thinking about this last night as I was getting ready to head in to bed. It occurred to me that it is easier to get saved than it would be to get so many other things accomplished. First, God, through the agency of the Holy Spirit, prepares the soil of our hearts to receive Him and share eternal life. In our human condition, we can’t save anybody – God does the “work” of salvation. You don’t have to approach Jesus and ask Him and then go get approval from God the Father, or then consult the Holy Spirit and ask Him. You don’t need three “Yeses.” And you never have to worry about a “No.” In fact, you don’t even have to ask – period. No question is involved.
The free gift of eternal life is exactly that – an invitation. You can’t buy it, get it through good deeds, or through your good works. None of us on this earth as good enough to “earn” salvation. We just need to accept the offer from God. Whether God the Father touches your heart, or you feel especially close to Jesus, or sense a nudge from the Holy Spirit, any of those options work. The Trinity is always in agreement. You don’t have to worry about “Yes” or “No!” It’s always “Yes.”
There is only one condition that you have to understand. You must believe in Jesus as the divine Son of God. Period. It’s that simple.
By now, I am sure that you know what tonight’s verse is. Yep, from the Gospel of John, the most famous verse in the entire Bible. John tells us, in John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
My encouragement this evening is that God wants each of us in the Kingdom of Heaven. He wants us to rest in His Son and enjoy eternity with them. The entire Bible recounts how God continues to reveal Himself to us. What wonderful news for us. My prayer is that we will accept this free gift of salvation and eternal life – no questions asked and no hidden conditions. And if you are already living your eternal life that started when you accepted God’s invitation, then my prayer is that you will take a moment and thank God for His grace and mercy in your life. You’ve already said “Yes.” Have a great day in the Lord, grace and peace…