Lent Meditation February 25: The Temptation of Bargaining
JUDGES 11:29-40
In this reading Jephthah asked God to help him achieve victory against a formidable foe, in exchange for which he vowed to make a precious sacrifice. After God granted him victory, Jephthah was faced with the obligation to fulfill the vow, which was to sacrifice his only child.
Clearly Jephthah had no idea that what he was asking initially could have such an unexpected and tragic outcome.
Many times in our lives we have selfishly “bargained” with God in exchange for His favor. We often ask if God will provide us victory over a problem, then in exchange we will perform some effort which we believe He might want to have completed.
In so doing we are inclined to overlook that insofar as God knows all, and has His own plan for the outcome of all things, then our “bargaining” is in vain.
MARK 2:1-12
In this reading, when Jesus releases the paralytic from his infirmity and is challenged by some with blaspheming, in the context that “who can forgive sins but God alone”, it is made very clear that, upon recognizing the faith of the paralyzed man and his friends, Jesus first met the man’s deepest need-“forgiveness”.
At issue is that for Jesus, neither forgiving sins nor healing was easier; both are equally impossible for people and equally easy for God. Jesus said to the paralytic, “Your sins are forgiven” and “Get up, take your mat, and walk” (based on the faith of the man and his friends). Jesus said, “But that you may know that the Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins”. This teaches us to have faith in Jesus as a basis for His forgiveness of sins.
HEBREWS 4:1-10
This reading emphasizes that God’s “Sabbath-Rest” can only be entered by faith in his Son. By maintaining that faith in God’s final rest, we are to be encouraged that through faith we can gain salvation and rest in the finished Work of Christ on the Cross. Therefore, “the believer’s final rest” is assured through this practice of faith.
MEDITATION
In my own life, based on these scriptures, I have gained strength during what might be perceived as an overwhelming tragedy, yet gives me foresight into God’s plan.
Our sixth grandchild, Katie, was sent to us with the serious challenge of being afflicted with an illness for which, at this time, there is no cure. By virtue of my faith, I have been able to allow God to “carry me through this challenge”, and I have been able to deal with what has been and will lie ahead in the years to come. Many times I have been tempted to bargain with God to allow her to become whole in exchange for my own “being”. God has continued to show us, through her, that with His guidance all things are possible. Katie continues to face the challenges every day of her life, but continues to win the fight, because of her ability to allow God to make all the decisions.
Prayer: Dear God, we are ever mindful of your presence and praise you for the blessings you have bestowed upon us. We thank you for allowing us to face the challenges you have given us and recognize and appreciate your presence in our daily lives. We pray that those who do not know You through faith, will come to experience that blessing, we and ask that You guide them as they seek You.
Joanne Ingledue
