How easy is it to ask a stranger for something only they can give? It is usually easier to approach our familiars; especially when we KNOW that we are loved by them. Consider today’s Holy Nougat as a prelude to our ASk …
““Listen, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength.” Deuteronomy 6:4-5 NLT
Seeking begins with the knowledge of the What or the Who. And in our ASk, seeking begins with Our Who – our Lord Who is God alone. When all internal and external idols are sacrificed (Gideon-style if we are fearful) at the altar of our God, we are ready to know Our God as God alone. And it is then, that we begin the love affair – of heart, soul and strength.
This is a Love that goes beyond superficiality and moves us into a ‘higher place of praise’. It encases our entire being to the extent that it then bursts out and pulls others in. Because we are Souled Out and literally have zero desire for ought else. For many of us; this may be a destination. I am now proposing that we consider it a journey.
Thus; rather than only knowing that Jesus walks with me and talks with me and tells me I am His own,’ we also seek to walk with Jesus and talk With Him (not just To Him) and tell Him He’s God alone … for God does give abundantly – He did go to the cross and back – but even more than that; God is passionately desirous of intimacy with each of us.
Kinda like Abraham; they were so close that whenever Abraham has an ASk; he knew God heard him! Remember God wondering whether to tell Abraham about the pending situation with Sodom and Gomorrah? – And Abraham’s ASk? He IMMEDIATELY began negotiating for the lives of his family! Yup. Or Moses with God for the rebellious Israelites in the wilderness? Or Peter, when he asked to walk on water as confirmation that he was speaking to Jesus. That came from intimacy, not just superficialities.
They all faced some No moments with God; but the intimacy remained. I guess it’s choosing to face God with contrition in the garden after sinning; rather than hiding our nakedness. For when we approach God with our nakedness; no holds are barred, the masks and coverings are gone; we are ready for intimacy and God’s glory to cover us.
