Luke 14:18-20 – But they all began making excuses. One said, "I have just bought a field and must inspect it. Please excuse me." Another said, "I have just bought five pairs of oxen, and I want to try them out. Please excuse me." Another said, "I just got married, so I can't come." (NLT)

I remember a favourite saying of a friend of ours: "Lord, I'll climb the highest mountain, I'll swim the deepest sea, I'll be over next Tuesday … if it don't rain."

Why is it that every good intention is so often accompanied by a greater excuse?

Excuses: Who is there among us who has never given the Lord an excuse as to why we can't serve Him?

When we take into account the suffering that Jesus went through on our behalf because of His love for us, we really shouldn't have any excuse why we can't be fully committed to Him.

I often ask myself where we would be if Jesus had succumbed to any one of the following seven excuses that I have so often given.

Excuse #1: "I Want To Do Something Else."
Jesus prayed, "If it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt." (Matthew 26:39b KJV)

Excuse #2: "I'm Too Tired."
Before Jesus went to be crucified, He had four trials: before Annas, Caiaphas, Herod, and Pilate.

Excuse #3: "I Might Be Persecuted."
Jesus was spit upon, struck, and slapped.

Excuse #4: "I Have A Headache."
Jesus wore a crown of thorns. Now that's a headache!

Excuse #5: "I Have A Backache."
Jesus' back was scourged with a leaded whip.

Excuse #6: "My Legs Ache."
Carrying the cross, Jesus fell beneath the weight of it.

Excuse #7: "I Have A Sore Throat."
On the cross, Jesus cried out, "I thirst", and was offered vinegar to drink.

How thankful to God we must be that Jesus did not succumb to excuses when it came to our salvation, but rather that He set His face like a flint and went to the cross so that our sin might be forgiven.

Prayer: Father, we pray that You would help us to be more committed in our service and dedication to You. In Jesus' precious name, we pray. Amen.

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About the author:

Cheryl Mariano (Cheremiah) <cherylmariano@gmail.com>
Casa Grande, Arizona, USA
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