02/21/2020
Do we believe that Jesus is able to do the things He says? When we are in prayer asking that He heal us, provide for us, or raise someone from the dead, do we truly believe? If we say “YES!” Then there are two more questions to ask before we proceed... have we invited him into our house; into the place where we presently are; into the deepest recesses of our heart? Then finally... do we have faith that He is who He says He is... the Son of the Living God?
“When he entered the house, the blind men came to him, and Jesus said to them, "Do you believe that I am able to do this?" They said to him, "Yes, Lord." Then he touched their eyes, saying, "According to your faith be it done to you."”
Matthew 9:28-29 ESV
These three things are all important... presence, belief, and faith. We can’t ask Him until we come into His presence, then, our asking is pointless unless we believe He can do what we are asking of Him, and finally, we must have faith that He is the Messiah... the Son of God.... not just any God, but the one true God, our Lord, the God of Abraham, Moses, and now through faith ourselves.
“Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" And they said, "Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets."”
Matthew 16:13-14 ESV
It is not enough to say that Jesus is John the Baptist, Elijah, or some other prophet, no matter how great. We must see Him as He truly is, as the Son of the living God. So after receiving this answer Jesus asked a second question.
“He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" Simon Peter replied, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."”
Matthew 16:15-16 ESV
Peter answered Jesus out of faith, and we must do the same. The answer to this question can’t be reasoned... it has to be given to us. When we are in the presence of Christ, when we believe He is able, and when we have been given through faith a revelation as to who He truly is, then we are blessed as Peter was, and great things happen.
“And Jesus answered him, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven."”
Matthew 16:17-19 ESV
When I was in high school there was a very pretty girl in one of my classes, and I wanted to go out on a date with her. The problem was that I was so nervous about asking her that I could never work up the courage to actually do so. Well, wishing something will happen never makes it happen, and I never went on a date with her. I never stood in front of her and asked her out, I never believed she would actually say yes, and I couldn’t imagine a scenario in which we might be a couple.
This is an example, or an image, of what happens to us spiritually when the three ingredients of presence, belief, and faith are not present when we have needs we would like God to address. So where do we stand in relationship to these pieces of answered prayer? If we have have addressed them all then we can exercise the one last pair of ingredient as we pray... asking in Jesus’ name, and asking those things that will glorify God in His Son.
“Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.”
John 14:13 ESV
So when we pray, have we considered all of these things, or are we wishing and hoping alone?
Prayer:
Father, thank you for revealing the true nature of your Son Jesus to us, and for answering our prayers. Thank you for your Holy Spirit that not only comforts us, but gives us understanding. Help us Holy Father to know your will, and to ask those things that will give you glory through your Son Jesus. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who does glorious, and miraculous things. Praised be your name Lord for your love, goodness, and mercy. Great are you who stands us in awe as we glimpse your power unfolding in response to our prayers, and in our lives. All glory is yours Father, and is made evident, and perfect, through your grace that flows to us through your Son Jesus Christ. We reach out to you Father with lifted arms, and humble aspirations, that you might be glorified above us, and all creation. Teach us to pray, and to come into your presence in fullness of belief, faith, calling on the name of Jesus, and with requests that are true to your will, and which bring you glory... now, and forevermore.
Rich Forbes