Nougat 12

When seeking God’s face, how do we approach Jesus? What is our expectation? Please receive today’s Holy Nougat

“The Son radiates God’s own glory and expresses the very character of God, and he sustains everything by the mighty power of his command. When he had cleansed us from our sins, he sat down in the place of honor at the right hand of the majestic God in heaven.” ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭1‬:‭3‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Hearing God: In His Command

Two events in Jesus’ walk stand out for me in respect of His command. The first is the parable of the Widow and the Unjust Judge (see Luke 18:1-8). The parable, which focuses on prayer, invites the reader/listener to be persistent in making our requests to God. Jesus concludes with rhetorical questions that emphasize Gods faithfulness. His final question is quite challenging, as He wondered whether He will find persons who are persistent in prayer, pressing on in faith.

Before we move to the other example, e we may wish to discern what our level of faith is when God’s response isn’t as immediate as desired. Living in our ‘microwave’ culture, it is way easy for us to be distracted by the next new thing; or to disconnect when things aren’t going our way. I know I’m often guilty of that. I want my answered prayer and I want it now! And it sometimes devolves to self pity, assuming that I’ve been forsaken and forgotten. But what if the delay was God’s invitation to listen to God’s voice? Or our very own test of faith …

Jesus’ encounter with the centurion is a lesson in faith and power (see Matthew 8:5-15; Luke 7:1-10 and John). The conversation is profound. A high enough ranking military officer in the Roman legions approached Jesus on behalf of a subordinate, a servant. As a soldier, the centurion is exceptionally aware of rank and protocol. Under Pax Romana (ie Roman imperial law), Jesus was a nobody. He has not yet been proven an enemy of the state (though the centurion’s action pointed to His borderline status), and being Jewish, was definitely not counted as a person of high ranks.

Yet the centurion was clear in conferring all due deference to Jesus!

When we approach the Mercy Seat, are we even remotely aware of Who it is that we are approaching? Do we invite Jesus, our Redeemer, Chief of Staff for the Lord’s armies (YHWH Sabaoth, Lord of Heaven’s Army) to speak on our behalf, recognizing that it is only at His command that our circumstances can shift? Remember, in God’s presence, our own righteousness is nothing. Hearing God demands a humility that recognizes Who Jesus is, while appreciating that in Him, we have direct access to God!

Lord of Heaven’s armies

I recognize Your Sovereignty today and thank You for Your faithful love that overlooks my arrogance. For the times I failed to honor You, for my (many) moments of impatience, for my doubts, disbelief and faithlessness … please forgive me. Before asking for anything right now, I recognize that You, my Lord, are Sovereign. Thank You for intervening so that I have access to You through Your Spirit.

Teach me how to worship You anew, with the deferential familiarity that recognizes Your majesty and identifies as Your child. May I have the unwavering love and faith of a child towards a parent, coupled with respect for your authority please Lord. Hear my prayer please as I learn to hear Your Voice. In Jesus’ name amen

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May all we seek be found in Christ