The One That Would Not, Could Not

As we have learned from the Covid-19 crisis, there’s no guarantee for tomorrow in this game of life and death. So, it makes good sense to examine ourselves today in 2021 and make the most of the opportunities we do have. Paul says in 2 Cor. 6:2, “I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.” Jesus knows our script for life, and our point of no return. He is not willing to lose any of us and will do whatever it takes to save us. Theme thought: “The one that would not, could not, but whosoever will, can.”

• Lucifer became Satan and was cast out of heaven, along with a third of all the angels. Why? Because he

would not heed God’s authority, and therefore could not remain in His presence.

• Adam and Eve could not return to their garden home. Why? Because they would not believe God’s truth about sin and disobedience and believed Satan’s lies.

• Cain killed his brother and was exiled and could no longer be an active part of God’s family. Why?

Because he would not trust God’s way for his life.

• Noah made his appeal, “Whosoever will, come into the ark” Only eight souls were saved from the flood waters.. Why? Because the others would not respond to the call, and eventually could not, because the door of opportunity was shut.

I could go on and talk about Jacob and Esau, Pharaoh and Moses, 10 of the 12 twelve spies and the Land of Canaan, King Saul and the downfall of the OT Nation of Israel. In all of these stories, we find the bigger message of the Gospel and the Judgment. Jesus said in Matthew 23:37, “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but ye would not. Your house is left unto you desolate.” Our theme rings true, “The one that would not, could not, but whosoever will, can.”

There was a little rural town going through hard times, and everyone who lived there, was starving to death. A Wealthy Man learned of their plight and instructed his accountant to mail a $1,000 check to each and every one of the town. A few days later, all were surprised to find the $1,000 checks made out to them individually in their mailboxes. Now, some of the people said, “It must be a scam, or an advertising gimmick,” so they threw the check into the trash can. Others said, “It’s a hoax, no one would be foolish enough to send $1,000 checks to everyone in our town. I just can’t believe it” And, so they refused to go to the bank with their checks. However, a few brave believers ventured to the bank, and found out that the checks cleared. They received their $1,000 and exclaimed, “What Wonderful Good News” Now, they can buy food for their starving families!

Thought Questions - Did everyone living in the little town receive a check for $1,000? Yes! Did every citizen benefit from the $1,000 dollars? No! Why didn’t they go and cash the check? Because they didn’t believe it was true and would not go to the bank, and therefore could not benefit from the Wealthy Man’s Free Gift. Do you see the Gospel in this Parable? Because of Christ’s life and sacrifice on the Cross of Calvary, God has “deposited” forgiveness and eternal life in the bank of heaven in the name of each person who has ever lived. He appeals to each of us personally to go to His throne of grace and receive mercy and grace in our time of need. “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord, though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If ye are willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land;” Isaiah 1:18,19

I believe we are living in the day of God’s prophetic point of no return. We don’t know the day or the hour of Christ’s return, but we do know it is time to make a decision concerning our eternal destiny. God’s mercy and love is like gravity, pulling on us to let go of what hinders us from coming to God. Jesus is making his final appeal to us in Revelation 22:17 - “And the Spirit and the bride say Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” Why not accept God’s check of grace and take it to the bank of heaven today and say, “Thank you Jesus for living and dying to save me. I accept your offer and am cashing your Gospel check for my salvation.”

Retired Pastor Jim Nichols

– Sidney Seventh-day Adventist Church