Scripture
Our verse for today comes from Acts 1:16, “Men and brethren, this Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke before by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus.”
Background
I hope if you had to do something yesterday, that you were able to knock it out. And if you have some things that have to get done today, presumably they are your top priority. But as you know from experience, the best laid plans of mice and men often go awry. That little saying, adapted from a poem by Robert Burns called “To A Mouse,” is referenced quite often when one might be referring to the chaos that interfered on their day and laid waste their good intentions. It may be expressed with some level of helplessness, or perhaps just a sense of inevitability that will be tackled once again on the morrow. But what seems to never get mentioned are the lines immediately following the famous ones. “And leave us nothing but grief and pain, For promised joy!” And just as familiar as we all are with plans that do not come to fruition, we have likewise experienced the disappointment and hurt that comes from a joy longed-for that we never get to enjoy. Burns concludes his poem by noting the agony of looking back at prospects dreary, those plans that fell by the wayside, as well as the trepidation of looking ahead, to “guess and fear.”
For many of you, the thought of not having your day planned out by the hour is unfathomable, while others are apt to take the day on as it comes. But both styles are and will be met with hope and disappointment. We do not have the blessed assurance of divine inspiration revealing the events of our lives to assure us of what will and will not occur. We will plan, and we might succeed. We will promise, and we might deliver. But before we plan or promise, we should take to heart the overlooked thoughts of Burns. The promised joy that we cause to falter can leave behind some serious grief and pain. The vows you have made, you must fulfill. The ones yet on your lips, be unwavering in your diligence to stand true. God spoke scripture a thousand years in advance of Judas, and it had to be fulfilled. Be no less sure in your declarations.
Charge
As we seek Him today, do and be what you say and are. Reel in the commitments if they’re leading you rather than you leading them.
