He Knew and Yet He Came Anyway (Lent Devotion 2021)

"HAVE THIS MIND AMONG YOURSELVES, WHICH IS YOURS IN CHRIST JESUS, WHO, THOUGH HE WAS IN THE FORM OF GOD, DID NOT COUNT EQUALITY WITH GOD A THING TO BE GRASPED, BUT EMPTIED HIMSELF, BY TAKING THE FORM OF A SERVANT, BEING BORN IN THE LIKENESS OF MEN. AND BEING FOUND IN HUMAN FORM, HE HUMBLED HIMSELF BY BECOMING OBEDIENT TO THE POINT OF DEATH, EVEN DEATH ON A CROSS." (PHILIPPIANS 2:5-8 ESV)

I have been to many funerals since arriving here in Winnebago in 1993. My first public event was for the funeral of nationally known American Indian Movement leader, as well as a Native American Church Roadman, Reuben Snake.

Over the years I have observed, listened, and learned much of the Ho-Chunk/Winnebago world view. I have heard on more than one occasion, by more than one Native American Church Roadman, the following teaching. I also understand that this worldview is not unique to the tribe that I serve in northeast Nebraska.

The Roadman tells those gathered that the person who has died had come into this world willingly. He goes on to say that each individual prior to his/her birth has seen all that would happen in his/her lifetime. In spite of the suffering that had been revealed beforehand, the person still chose to come.

As a called under-shepherd of Jesus, I have pledged to preach and to teach the Sacred Word of God. I am not to add to or take away from God's Word (see The Revelation of Jesus Christ 22:18-19). I find no such teaching regarding what a person knows or doesn't know prior to his/her birth. But I do know that Jesus, who has no beginning and no end, knew what He was getting Himself into prior to His birth and yet He came anyway.

God's Sacred Word reveals this fact and the Apostle Paul notes it in our above reading. Jesus knew what was coming when He asked if there was any way that he would not have to drink from the cup of God's wrath. And yet He went on to do the will of His Heavenly Father. Jesus knew all too well that He would suffer hell on earth, literally, as He cried out "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"

And yet, He did not call down His angels to deliver Him, like the angel who had stopped Abraham from offering up Isaac on Mount Moriah. (By the way, Mount Moriah is where Jesus died). It was the love of Jesus for you that He came, He suffered, He died, and He rose again.

Prayer: Dear Jesus, you know all things, you knew us for what we are despicable, self-centered, rebellious sinners, and you knew what it would take to redeem us and yet moved by your love for us, you came anyway. Fill us with your Spirit so that with faith in You, we can be ready for your return. Amen.

Pastor Ricky Jacob
Winnebago, Nebraska