We turn our attention to Matthew 27: 41-43. The second word spoken to the cross by those gathered there were virtually confessing that to them faith ultimately depended on God acting when and how they wanted. The word “now” was hurled up to the cross of the Son of God as if it were a stone. In reality the shouters were admitting the shortcomings of mankind. The eternal truths spoken through their vile lips was that “now” is the only portion of time that belongs to us and that we can act in it, yet most continue living as if that were not so. What were the confessions slung at the cross by stubborn men who continued to reject Christ as Savior?
In each case they were saying, “we refuse…” First, they refused to be patient. They were without concern for the consequences or appreciation for what was involved before their very eyes. They were behaving like Esau in the Old Testament who forfeited his privilege and authority contained in the birthright that was originally his. Sadly, they were also saying that they refused to be victorious. One would think that was too ironic. Before them was on evaluation for their own growth and a witness within their own conscience. The secret for the end of sin and its habit is in a man’s desire of the moment.
Thirdly, they refused to be helpful. This was not to say that they could help Jesus come down off the cross and save his life. It is to say that a person’s friendship and affection is only worthwhile when it’s needed, requested, and extended. We will not always have a special person with us. It has been said that it’s better to send roses to the living than the dead because the deceased cannot read their own tombstone or smell the fragrance of the flower. In the Garden of Gethsemane before the arrest of Christ the sleeping disciples would never again have a chance to be so close to Jesus.
They made one more refusal that was an intention to be prepared. As humans, we have a tendency to rationalize that a responsibility belongs to the other person and that it’s the other person who loses out. However, it is no secret what it would take for all of us to be ready if we are willing. Jesus told the story of the five foolish virgins who waited for the groom to come before they ever got the fuel that they needed for their lamps. Whether we are speaking of spiritual matters are not, is always better to be prepared before being involved, before being expected to respond, before being asked as someone on which to rely.
Unfortunately, it is so easy for us even in our private prayer life to throw the word “now” at God as if it is a magic dart that will encourage him to do what we want. He is the master. We are the servant. He is the father. We are the child. Only a spiritually immature person would expect God to snap to any or all prayers.
Christian Writer 