JA

YES. A very short word. A simple word. One of the first words we learn as we study a foreign language. Да, sì, نعم  Ja  بله   evet, ναι, igen, כן …   Only when it comes to the first language a human being learns, it seems that the first word after „Mom“ and „Dad“ is „no“.
„Yes“ is an every-day-word, easily said. “Yes” is also a heavy-weight, with the potential to change every-day life forever. Take a moment to reflect with me:

What is your experience in life with the word „yes“?
Can you remember a „yes“ which was difficult to utter – but for which you are thankful today?
Can you remember a „yes“ which you gave – maybe hesitatingly – but which you now regret? And no, I am referring to the „yes-I-will“ when you got married!

As you look at the here and now: What are the circumstances in your life that challenge you to find a „yes“? Is it the mountains of challenges ahead of you? Or the dull routine of your every-day-life?

As you look at the future: Where are you challenged to a „yes“? What decisions are coming up that find you hesitating? Where are you waiting – maybe anxiously – for the “yes” of another? Is it about a „yes“ that brings clarity or a „yes“ as you face change? Is it about acceptance of aging? A „yes“ to fleeting time? Is it about accepting that certain goals will never be reached and certain dreams will not be realized?
 
But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No. (Mat 5:36 NKJV) - “Yes” is not always the right answer. Only “yes” given wholeheartedly is a true and responsible “yes”. Not given because we already know everything this “yes” may entail, but because we are ready and willing to engage and embrace it with heart and soul.

Mary gave her „yes“ 2000 years ago when the angel announced the birth of Christ. „Mary did you know?“ – No, she had no idea, what her „yes“ really meant, but she gave it – fully trusting God. This was indeed a responsible „yes“, which would change the world.

A few years later, Pilate said „yes“ to the furious crowd as they demanded „crucify him“! Pilate himself demonstrates that this was an irresponsible „yes“ by washing his hands in innocence. Without success. Because an irresponsible „yes“ also has consequences and the responsibility remains with the “yeah-sayer”.

Only a few hours prior to this, in the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus gave his Father a „yes“. This “yes” carried an immense responsibility with it. Because of this immeasurably significant „yes“ I may live today as I trust God’s „yes“ to me. Because of HIS „yes“ to me I can calmly face all the minor and major issues in life with a wholehearted „yes“ or „no“.

By the way – „yes“ might just be the shortest possible expression of worship!

Tobias Menges