Deeper Life #95

But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They say unto him, We are able. And he saith unto them, Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with: but to sit on my right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my Father.

—Matthew 20:22–23

HOW OFTEN HAS THE LORD come with the cup He drank and offered it to you, and you told Him, “Now, Lord, I have far too much to do. I cannot drink the cup. I cannot go through the baptism of your sufferings just now. People are dying and I must go out and save them my way. I am consumed with a desire and love for the lost.”

“Are you able to drink of My cup?” again Jesus asks.

What did Jesus do for the first thirty years of His life to save the lost? Absolutely nothing! He remained closeted up in silence. No one ever heard of Him, except the few at His birth and those who were confounded by His brilliance as the lad in the Temple. Then for three blazing years that have staggered time and eternity, He lived and died so that the gospel might be preached.

The world was not lost while the disciples waited in the Upper Room for Pentecost. God grant that we will drink the cup He wants us to drink—the cup of humble submission to Him.

Prayer Thought: Despite my eagerness to win the lost, Father, guide me in holy and humble submission to the will of the Savior.

SUGGESTED READING: Matthew 20:20–29