Choice Makes All the Difference

Scripture: Then Jesus told him, "Put your sword back in its place because all who take up the sword will perish by the sword. Or do you think that I cannot call on my Father, and he will provide me here and now with more than twelve legions of angels? How, then, would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen this way?" Matthew 26:52-54

Observation: There is an interesting logic problem contained in Jesus' words here. Jesus confirms it is the will of the Lord, as documented by prophesy in scriptures, that Jesus will go through what is about to happen to him. He also declares that he himself has the authority to call to the Lord for help to stop it from happening. Therefore, is Jesus saying that ... he has the free will to circumvent the word of the Lord? Is he saying that he could make a decision to defy the Lord's own word, and if he chose to do so the Lord himself would not just permit but assist such defiance?

The answer is surprising, for it appears to be ... yes, that is exactly what Jesus is saying. Jesus is saying that not only does he have a choice to make when comes to fulfilling the scriptures as Messiah, but that if he were to choose to not go through with it, Yahweh - the Lord God almighty who has planned this redemption for mankind from the very beginning - would provide his own heavenly resources alter that plan.

And this itself is what makes the sacrifice 'work' for all mankind. While Messiah was predestined for sacrifice, Jesus completely and 100 percent chose to accept it. The fact he could have opted out, and not only avoided the path but had the Lord's help in doing so, makes all the difference.

Application: This aspect of predestination vs. free will is exactly the same model we as Christians should understand from the rest of the bible. We ARE all both predestined to become disciples of Jesus, BUT we can choose not to believe, and if we make that choice the Lord WILL not only allow it, but will even continue with his love toward us when we are in that state of rejecting him.

Jesus is the first to really demonstrate this, as his resurrection created a different context for us to understand the longer-term promises of the Lord. His resurrection was the proof that what he said here was true and not hyperbole. 

Many of us Christians get concerned about forfeiting our faith. It is helpful to think we were chosen by Jesus, but that creates other conflicts within us about how free will may or may not exist, and about why others may not be chosen. It is a complex logic problem, but Jesus does reveal the answer. We all are chosen, then we all have a free will choice.

I know I have that choice. I choose Jesus. I choose to believe Jesus is the Messiah, my Lord and savior, the son of the Lord God almighty, creator of heaven and earth, and in him I place my faith and my hope and my life.

Prayer: Lord, I actually do thank you for the choice we have, for it is only by that choice that our faith could possibly matter. May my choice manifest as better decisions and actions today, in your name. Amen.