I’ve been thinking. What is it that too often still causes us sheep a lot of trouble? I’m thinking that most of us aren’t into stealing and killing or any of the “big” sins. No, we stumble over “smaller” things don’t we… like having the WISDOM to choose the best things from just the good ones? Or, don’t we still tend to let negative situations overwhelm us as if we have no STRENGTH available to withstand them? Maybe you can think of some more. Here’s what I’m thinking.
It’s nothing new…if you’re one of the sheep, you’ve noticed it too. The Shepherd regularly goes off to a lonely place to pray. (For instance, Matthew 14:23, Mark 1:35, Luke 5:15-16)
But why did He do that? I’m thinking the fully-human side of Him must have needed it. He benefited from it. But what were the benefits?
You probably should look into that. Maybe look at passages like Matthew 4, Luke 6:12-13, Luke 9:28-31, Luke 22:41-42, John 6:15, and John 11:38-43. Let me know what you come up with.
Here’s a rundown of what I found…
- 40 days and nights of prayer gave Him the needed spiritual STRENGTH to resist temptation even though he was physically hungry.
- At the end of a whole night of praying He had the WISDOM to choose the twelve disciples.
- It just so happened that GOD REVEALED MORE about what was going to happen to Him in Jerusalem “while He was praying.”
- He honestly opened His heart to the Father about the cup that was THE FATHER’S WILL.
- Prayer was His RESPONSE when others were trying TO PRESSURE Him into a wrong choice.
- He was getting ready for God to MAKE HIS PRESENCE KNOWN.
OK, so the benefits involve things like strength, wisdom, seeing God, yielding to His will, responding well to outside pressure, and having God’s presence be known. Wow, sounds like the kinds of things that would solve a lot of what we still struggle with. Could it be you and I lack those benefits because we haven’t been regularly, habitually, desperately going off to a lonely place to pray? I’m curious about what you’re thinking.
Listening for my Shepherd
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August 19, 2008 at 6:17 am
Offensive Christians
Thanks for the encouragement to seek God in prayer. Its so often that I forget to go to Him rather than rushing off with my ideas. My life is filled with activities and work that are good – but, as you point out, I need to seek the best.
Thanks again!
OC
http://offensivechristians.com
August 25, 2008 at 9:11 am
nhrev
Thanks OC. Good vs. Best often is the challenge for most of us. I’m thinking out loud here but it may be more of a challenge because we sometimes fall into the trap of comparing ourselves with others rather than disciplining ourselves to be more like Him. Whatever the reason, praying for discernment is always a good idea. Thanks for the comment.