I work for a distributor of petroleum products.  In reality, I’m a glorified dispatcher.  A few days ago, one of my drivers, James, came to me and said, “Let me tell you a funny story.”  He said, “Yesterday I was getting ready to get in my pickup to go home when I noticed Calvin sitting next to his car, on the pavement, legs crossed Indian style and his head hung low.  I asked him if he was alright.  His only response was, ‘I give up.  Nothing has gone right today.  I give up.’  As it turns out, he’d mistakenly locked his keys in his car.  I told him if he’d give me about three minutes, I’d have it unlocked.  It didn’t take but two.” 

 

You see, unbeknown to Calvin, James was a master at unlocking the locked car.  It is a funny story, but is indicative of a profound truth.  Come, journey back with me two thousand years.

 

The disciples of Jesus had walked with Him for three years.  During that time, He had tried, many times, to teach the formula for spiritual success: surrender.

 

The night Jesus was arrested they all either ran or denied Him.  Often we look at them, as if to say, what a bunch of failures.  The truth is Jesus had them exactly where He wanted them.  It is the same place He has to bring each one of us.  He can’t really teach us and use us until we give up.  We have to give up our initiatives and pre-conceived ideas.  They had them and so do we. 

 

Calvin had to give up and let a “master” car thief teach him something.  We have to give up and simply follow the Master.