Hello there
I remember, back in the day, I thought praying was about the ‘Thee’ and ‘Thou’ inserted strategically, if we wish to sound holy. Then, I was told-shown the truth. A good prayer is personal, even if articulated publicly, addresses real issues, and is directed to God, our very real Creator. In today’s Holy Nougat, we find Jesus keeping things just as real in His prayer to God.
“At that time Yeshua said in response, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and of earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and discerning and revealed them to infants. Yes, Father, for this way was pleasing to You.” Matthew 11:25-26 TLV
Can you imagine the scene? Jesus was sent a message from John the Baptist, Who wanted a reassuring word to help him deal with false imprisonment. Instead of sending typical comfort, Jesus asked John’s disciples to allow Jesus’ work to testify to His legitimacy. He then lauds the ministry of John and cursed the towns around Him for their unbelief, BEFORE launching into the prayer.
One wonders, is the prayer about John’s moment of weakness, as he struggles with the reality of preaching God’s own truth? Or is it a response to those unbelieving towns?
Perhaps both.
So what do we grasp from the prayer
That God seeks to reveal truths about God to any of us who is open to believe AND
That until we have the innocent freshness of a child – curiosity, unrestrained imagination and love – understanding the ways of God will pose a serious challenge to our faith.
Can we articulate our faith to others when we are in distress or facing persecution, or when the world is closing in on us oh so unfairly? What about when the stench of global injustice rises up to our nostrils, choking us and rendering us dead? Can we talk about our faith then?
Perhaps it’s time for us to have the faith of children, a renewal of the wonder and trust in God’s steadfast love for us; especially when life throws us undesirable moments. May God’s way be understandable to us God’s children today and always amen
In Christ’s love and grace . . .
