. The Plan Of God
John 12:27-36 (NIV)
You can tell a great person by the way they handle times of crisis:
-athlete who "wants the ball" in clutch situations
-soldier who risks his life in heat of battle to save a friend
But the greatest example of character was exhibited as Jesus faced the cross before Him. In our text this morning we see his character in the crisis. In our text we see the PLAN OF GOD and Jesus' submission to that plan
THE PLAN OF GOD
Jesus tells his listeners, "Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say? 'Father, save me from this hour'? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour." Jesus knew that what was coming was the plan of God. It was what He was commissioned for. He knows the cross is coming, but He also knows that this is what the Father planned for Him.
The question is, why? Judgement is coming. However it is not coming in the way we would expect it. God's wrath is not going to be focused on the world as it was in the flood. He is not going to destroy a city as he did in the days of the Judges. God's wrath is going to be focused on one man ... Jesus. This is why Jesus' soul was troubled. He wasn't afraid to die. He was dreading the wrath of God. Jesus, who had from all time known perfect fellowship with the Father. Now He was going to face the Father's anger.
He was going to suffer wrath as payment for the sin of you and me. Peter explains, 1 Peter 2:24 (NIV) "He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed." 1 Peter 3:18 "For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God." In that moment on the cross Satan was defeated. Satan thought he had won. But he didn't. Jesus faced Hell for us and won! He faced God's wrath so that we would not have to.
Illustration:
It seems a bridge-keeper was tending the draw bridge over the river. On
this particular night the man had brought his son to work with him. The
phone rang and it was a train engineer informing the bridge-keeper of his
impending arrival. When he hung up the phone he put the gears in motion
to close the bridge so the train could cross safely. He was startled to
hear a blood curdling scream from outside his shack. Unknown to him his
son had left the shack and had fallen into the mechanism which controlled
the bridge. The man had a difficult decision to make. He could halt the
closure of the bridge and try to extricate his son and save his life . .
. but to do so would mean the train would go crashing into the river. But
to let the bridge close would cost him his son. He did the only thing He
could do . . . He closed the bridge while he sobbed over his son. The story
concludes with the heartbroken father watching the train pass safely. As
it passed he saw people in the dining car enjoying laughing, eating and
enjoying themselves. Others slept peacefully. Some read. Everyone was totally
unaware of the price that was paid for them to cross the river.
That's a touching story. And it is certainly true that we do not appreciate the cost of our redemption. But the story is deficient.
The death of Christ on the cross was no accident. Jesus did not stumble and fall when the Father wasn't looking. The Father did not agonize over who to save. The cross was the Father's design to save His rebellious and ungrateful creation. This was the Father's plan.
Jesus was willing to go to the cross because He knew that when he was "lifted up" he would "draw all men to Him." No longer would salvation be restricted People of all races and nations (like you and me) would have the opportunity to be children of God. That's why He did it. That was THE PLAN! Do you appreciate the cost of your salvation? His grace is free but it isn't cheap.
SUBMISSION TO THE PLAN
Jesus is uneasy. We forget that His struggle was very real. In the garden we see Jesus on His knees crying out, "If it is possible, let this cup pass from me. Yet, not what I want but what you want." These are words of great faith. Jesus did not debate. He does not give God alternatives. He does not plead for mercy. The Savior does not give in to the uneasy feelings. He responds with "Glorify Thy Name."
When was the last time you faced a crisis and said, "Lord, it doesn't
matter what happens to me... whatever happens, may you be honored? The apostle
Paul, says, Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
"Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God
something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature
of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance
as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death-- even death on
a cross!"
Do you hear this? – WITH YOUR HEART!! We are not just to admire the submissive spirit of our Savior ... we are to adopt that same attitude! This does not come easy for us. If we are honest, we are much more prone to sing: "Glorify MY name" You've probably sung the great hymn, HAVE THINE OWN WAY. The first verse is: "Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way! Thou art the Potter, I am the clay. Mold me and make me after Thy will, While I am waiting, yielded and still."
Military men understand the attitude Jesus had. They are trained to serve with honor. They are reminded that they represent their country. No word is to bring dishonor to the nation. Personal safety is secondary to the goal of protecting your country. They face battle because of their love for their country. So how do we cultivate this attitude in our daily living?
1. First, we must remember that this is the attitude the Lord calls us to have. Our Lord told us that whoever wants to be great must be a servant. He tells us that we are blessed if we are persecuted for righteousness sake. It may not be easy . . . but it is right.
2. We must remember the character of God. He deserves to be honored. "He is supremely worthy of glory and honor." There is no service we could give that would come close to what He deserves. If we could give our lives a million times it would still not come close to the honor and glory He deserves.
3. Third, we must remember His promises. He has promised that nothing will separate us from His love. He promises that all things will work for the good of those who love Him. He promises that He is preparing a place for us. With all he has promised, submitting to His plan for our life may cause our souls to be at times troubled....but He will never steer us wrong.
OUR RESPONSE!
Two things to do:
1. Develop a submissive heart. Are you facing a crisis in your life? Are you tempted to stomp, pout, demand that God heed your wishes? Friend, are you willing to walk faithfully even though you don't know what the future holds? Are you willing to trust His plan for your life even though you do not see what is going on? Who's glory do you seek? Philippians 1:20 Paul says "Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain."
Mean the words of "Have Thine Own Way, Lord" Sing the song as your prayer. We may face painful times but, we are spared facing God's wrath.
2. Walk in His light! Walk while you have the light. The man who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going. Is it possible that you have been putting off getting serious with God? Have you been waiting for some illusive future time to decide where you will place your hope for eternity?
Jesus warns that time is short. Who knows whether we will live to face tomorrow? The Savior loves you. He willingly went to the cross so you would have the opportunity to cross the bridge from eternal torment to eternal life. Don't delay.
Let me share three simple steps:
1. Be Honest about your sin.
Before you can receive forgiveness you must admit that you need it. Stop pretending you're doing fine. Stop hiding from the truth. Confess your sin to the Lord and to yourself. Face it squarely.
2. Trust in Christ.
Tell the Lord that you surrender to Him. Tell Him that you trust Him for salvation and life because of Christ. Tell Him that you want the Lord Jesus to be Lord and Savior of your life.
3. Act on your Trust!
True faith is active faith. It time to start following the Lord. It's time to remove some things from your life. It's time to develop a relationship with Him. You know what He's done for you. You know what He's promised. You know what He is calling you to do. The only question that remains is: What will you do with what you know?
The best time to begin the journey of faith is now.
YOU ARE IN GOD'S PLAN!