Jesus - The Obedient, Rugged Individualist

"Today's Devotion" For August 6, 2005

Read: Matthew 26:36-46; Hebrews 10:1-18

JESUS - THE OBEDIENT, RUGGED INDIVIDUALIST

"'My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may Your will be done.'"(Mt. 26:42)

Are you a "rugged individualist?" Such a designation once had great meaning and impact upon the psyche of the nation. The whole idea of "rugged individualism" resonates with Americans and has been the hallmark of the American psyche and dream. Our historic documents, such as the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution stem from the "rugged individualism" of the 13 original colonies and, today, as then, provide an atmosphere of verbal, emotional, mental, and spiritual freedom of expression and living - a "rugged individualism" that promotes the common good.

Human beings are drawn to opportunities to do those things which make them feel good or happy about themselves and life in general. The whole concept of "rugged individualism" plays into that emotional need. People want to do their own thing, make their own way, and accomplish things in their own way. Throughout the history of the United States, one thing that can be said for certain is that its citizens have had a tradition of making sacrifices for themselves and their families. They also have another tradition - revolution or saying "No" to those who think they can tell the people of the United States what to do, how to do it, and when it should be done.

In our relationship with God, "rugged individualism" frequently puts us at odds with Him. Fostered by our sinful nature, "rugged individualism" leads us to ignore that which is pleasing to God in order for us to do things "my way." Yet God, our Father in heaven, in His great mercy, commanded that atoning sacrifices for the sins of the people be made. Those who trusted in Him willingly made those sacrifices and God blessed them with forgiveness and a growing relationship with Him. Yet, even with this opportunity for forgiveness commanded by God, people still were disobedient to Him. Their "rugged individualism" led them in a direction that was contrary to His Will, because His Will required obedience and faith.

Into the midst of this disobedience and unbelief came the greatest "rugged individualist" of them all - our Lord Jesus Christ. He came to take away the sins of the world and lived a life that was pleasing to God and abhorrent to sinful humanity. He came to bring us back to God, not in His way, but in the Father's way; not according to the rules of the world but according to the Will of God perfectly obeyed by Him. The end result is that Jesus experienced the full bore of God's wrath over Sin in our place and for His purposes. In Christ the burden of the sins of the whole world, for all times and places, was laid on His shoulders. The pain and agony of that burden is evident in Matthew's account of Jesus in Gethsemane, as Jesus acknowledges the pain of that burden and asks if it might be lifted from His shoulders - if it is the Father's Will.

While a "rugged individualist" by human standards, when it comes to our salvation and His relationship with the Father, Jesus is anything but the "rugged individualist. Ultimately Jesus was obedient unto death on the Cross so that the whole world - you and me included - might be saved from Sin, Death, and Satan. For our sakes He declined to be the consummate "rugged individualist" and did the Father's Will. Because of His love we are saved. By His obedience we are once more safe and secure in our Father's loving arms. Because of Christ's obedience, we, by faith in Him alone, are assured that our sins are forgiven and that we have the sure and certain hope of eternal life with Him in heaven. By faith, in obedience to His Will, we live as "rugged individualists" seeking His face in prayer. The words of the Lord's Prayer, "Your will be done," brings us freedom, independence, hope, and peace. In God's hands we truly are "rugged individualists" for Jesus.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You struggled mightily with the agony of the Father's wrath over Sin. Your disciples couldn't bear that agony and were unable to keep watch with You. I, too, am not able to "keep watch with You." The burden of sin and my willingness to be disobedient keep me from "watching with You." My failure to "watch" with you betrays my "rugged individualism" for what it is - a sinful fraud that seeks its own gain. Thank You for still going to the Cross and paying for my sins with Your life's blood. Help me to follow Your example in praying, "Your Will be done," so that I might be more obedient to the Father's Will and lead me to share Your tremendous sacrifice for the sins of the world with others. Hear my prayer, Lord Jesus. Amen.
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--Pastor Boeck

Copyright @2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.