Yes God Can!Ihe Atụ

Yes God Can!  

The slogan ‘Yes, We Can!’ has been used in political campaigns, songs, and exercise programs throughout the years. It’s a powerful little three word statement meant to inspire confidence as people rally together. It’s a simple phrase that has the ability to rouse people to action. This all sounds wonderful on the surface. 

The problem is, no matter how loudly we chant, ‘Yes, We Can!’, the real truth of the matter is, No, We Can’t. We simply can’t solve the world’s problems on our own. Any formula that edits God out of the equation is doomed to failure.

Imagine the disciples’ astonishment when Jesus tells them it’s really difficult for rich people to enter the Kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 19:23-24). 

“Then who in the world can be saved?” they asked (19:25 NLT).

Back then, and even in many cultures today, there’s this idea that if you’re wealthy, you must be blessed by God. With this idea in mind, it’s not surprising that these disciples would have been scratching their heads in response to the Rabbi’s words.

“Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible.” (19:26 NLT)

Jesus is telling these confused disciples and he tells us today, “On your own, NO YOU CAN’T.” No amount of money, awards, or good works are sufficient for us to enter the Kingdom of God. The rich man who had approached Jesus thought he was a pretty big deal. But he walked away sad after Jesus pinpoints his idol of money and possessions (19:22).

If we as human beings are to have any chance of entering God’s Kingdom, we have to begin with, YES, GOD CAN! We have to fall to our knees in humility as we admit our impoverished state apart from God. “Yes We Can” may be a brilliant political slogan, but it ultimately feeds the idolatry of our self-sufficiency.

As we’ll see in the days ahead, Jesus now makes possible what previously had been impossible. He turns our ‘No’ into a resounding ‘YES!’

Prayer… 

"Father, thank you for being the God of the impossible. You alone are God and there are no other gods in the entire universe. Time after time, You have shown yourself to be true and faithful, regardless of our circumstances. There is no obstacle too big that You can't make a way before us. Thank you for making a way when there seemed to be no way. Increase both our view of You and faith in You. It's in Jesus' name we pray, Amen."