Disappointment

When I was just getting started in the working world, one of my supervisors was a tiny elderly  woman named Ellen who was a stick of dynamite.  She might have weighed 100 pounds soaking wet and she moved faster than “greased lightning.”  She was generally quiet, focused, and efficient, but get her frustrated and you could be sure expletives were going to fly.  I will never forget the first time I saw this side of her.  She got so beside herself with the situation all she could say was, “JESUS WEPT!”  I had never heard this expression and could only smile.   I would later learn she was quoting scripture!  John 11:35 to be exact.  The shortest Scripture in the entire Bible.

Did Jesus experience feelings of disappointment, frustration, or exasperation?  The answer according to Scripture is yes!  Not everyone who came to Him followed Him.  Even those who did believe He was the Son of God, were like the the demons (James 2:19) and chose their own way.  Because His life would be given for ALL, I cannot imagine that He would not be disappointed. Even though He was aware that we each have a free will and the choice is ours alone to make.  (II Peter 3:9, John 1:12-13)

The story of the rich, young ruler is a good example of an individual’s choosing to continue in the status quo, to “wait for a more opportune time.” (Acts 24:25)   In the gospel of Matthew and Mark we read of this young man who has done all the “right stuff” according to the Law but Jesus is looking deep into this heart and sees he is serving his wealth and position.  Jesus tells him, in order to follow Him, all this young man possesses must be sold and given to the poor.  In other words, tear down your idol. (Exodus 20:3)   However, the man went away sad because he so much to lose.   So, Jesus is disappointed since He did not accomplish His hope of having this young man come and follow Him.   (Matthew 19:16-22, Mark 10:16-23)

In the book of John, we read that even many of the rulers believed but they would not profess (Romans 10:9-10) their faith because they preferred the glory of man (Pharisees) over the glory of God.   This caused Jesus to cry.  They mattered to Jesus!  

Have you ever tried so hard to accomplish a goal only to come up short?  How did you feel?  Did  the tears sting?  Did your countenance fall?  Did you wonder what you could have said or done differently?

John 12:37-44

“But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him:38 That the saying of Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed?39 Therefore they could not believe, because that Esaias said again, 40 He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them. 41 These things said Esaias, when he saw his glory, and spake of him.42 Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue:43 For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.44 Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me.Even though Jesus KNEW not all would believe and confess their belief, it still broke His heart to know they did not.  He knew the consequences of this choice:  The eternal ramifications.  Jesus even wept over Jerusalem, a city!  He knew the future of the city; for He was looking ahead to all that would happen within a few short weeks.He would be welcomed as a King and a few days later be led as a Lamb to the slaughter up Golgotha’s hill to pay with His life for the sins of the world which included this rich young ruler, the chief rulers, all those who left Him (John 6:66), and those in the future who would be almost persuaded.”  (Acts 26:28)

He is the Way, the Truth, and the Light and no one comes to the Father except by Jesus.  (John 14:6)  

This temptation is one all believers face.  We do our best to present the gospel and very often there is no response and we feel disappointment.  Our disappointment is real.  We weep.  The temptation is to allow discouragement to keep us from continuing to share the good news of salvation.  The temptation is to dissuaded us from answering when called.  The temptation distracts us and blinds us to the next opportunity, challenge, venue, or task.  So often, as mere man, we focus on our feelings and “are distracted, dissuaded, depressed, and discouraged” and do not go on with God.  Jesus on the other hand, though tempted, continued on with His divine purpose firmly in His sight.

Father, may I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.  For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.   Amen  (Philippians 3:14)

 

https://youtu.be/qe7IgvA6Pm4   Building 429  I Am Unashamed

Treading in His ocean of grace,

Yvonne Jones