Listen, and believe

When they came together in Galilee, he said to them, “The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men. They will kill him, and on the third day he will be raised to life.” And the disciples were filled with grief.                        Matt. 17.22,23

Jesus had previously explained to His disciples how He would go to Jerusalem where He would suffer much at the hands of the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law; that He would be killed but on the third day be raised to life (Matt. 16.21).

Now the disciples are being told for the second time. Their reaction is such that they were filled with grief. On each occasion Jesus has stressed how necessary it is for Him to die, but He has made it abundantly clear that He will rise to new life on the third day.

Yet, when these events finally came to pass, the disciples were utterly devastated by the crucifixion, and equally amazed at the resurrection. I understand the human reaction to a certain degree, yet in the light of their very clear foreknowledge of events, I find it puzzling that they did not rather respond in full confidence that all was pre-ordained and would be wonderfully right.

The questions that come to mind are: Did the disciples truly hear Jesus when He foretold these things? And, if so, did they believe Him?

Of course, this brings me to me. I believe God speaks to me. Today I am challenged to consider – Do I truly listen to Him? And, if so, do I believe Him?

O Most Amazing God,

I do indeed believe that You speak to me. Let me hear You and pay heed to all You would say and share with me. Let me believe, fully, whatever You may have for me.

I ask You to take my present faith, and increase it. Show me greater things. Share more wonders, please, in Jesus’ name I ask.               Amen.

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True wealth

“I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings.”                                                      Luke 16.9

I’m not sure that I understand this parable of the shrewd manager. Some commentators see the man as giving away what really belonged to his master. Others suggest he may simply have been foregoing interest that his master had no right to charge. Either way, what he demonstrates is his clever use of the means at his disposal in planning for his future wellbeing.

And the verse I’ve selected brings a similar sort of message to Jesus’ listeners. God’s people should be alert to make use of what God has given them. I do believe that God has control over all things, including worldly wealth. We may be blessed, to whatever degree, with worldly possessions and abilities. We will undoubtedly meet people in need. As we are willing to share of what we have (and here I see time and abilities as equally significant if not more so than wealth and possessions), we will help and bless others. Those we help may welcome us, subsequently, into heaven.

Thus may worldly things, used wisely by us, bring eternal benefit, both to others and to ourselves.

Creator God, Maker of All Things,

I ask You for wisdom and discernment in how I use those things You have given me to assist me in this earthly journey.

I see resources of time, abilities and possessions and I want to use them all to help those with a need for my help, and also to bless You in what I do. Lead me, please. Open me up to hear what You might be saying to me and to be willing to do whatever is necessary.

I have long since chosen You over money. May I please You in my worldly service, in Jesus’ name.                       Amen.

The fattened calf

“ ‘Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.”                                                                                                  Luke 15.23, 24

These verses essentially capture the theme of this parable, and also the sovereign theme of Almighty God. In these words are contained the mystery of heaven – the Father’s prime mission is to find His lost children, to have them return to Him, and to enjoy the most wonderful celebration, a lasting feast of love.

Worldly priorities feature prominently in this story but the actions of the prodigal (wastefully or recklessly extravagant) father show clearly where the focus needs to be. His relationship with his son is paramount. Nothing is as important as this. And all other matters and issues shrink into insignificance compared with the wonder, the beauty and the joy of welcoming his son back into his family and home.

Such is the way of the parable, but this is simply a reflection of the heavenly way.

My loving Father speaks to me as I write. He reminds me of the unimaginable joy I am to Him. He revels in our relationship. It is as if He’s saying:

“Peter, I really want you to know the magnitude of the love that I have for you. The mightiest superlatives cannot adequately describe it. It is higher than the heavens, deeper than the depths of the ocean, and wider than the expanse of the universe. It is simply massive, and its size maximises its potency. It is rich, oh so very rich. I love you with an everlasting, ever-faithful, sweet and powerful love. I love you like you wouldn’t believe.

Now for you! I want you to receive this love. There is certainly far more than you can hold, or even perceive. But it’s there for you, and it will NEVER be withdrawn.

Now, My Boy, live more fully in that love. Open yourself wide to receive. Embrace Me with every part of your being and bring My love to fulfilment in your life by enjoying Me, and allowing Me to lead you in love and the most lavish affection. Discard any worldly ambitions. Yes, I know, these most wonderfully don’t bother you. That pleases Me. Release any desire of the flesh – of whatever kind – to Me. Allow Me to take them, to lead you through, and to bring you fully into that place I have for you.

This is just a small part of my love for you. I have so much more. Return to Me in totality. Hear Me say, ‘This is My Boy. He was lost and is found. Let’s celebrate.’ Hallelujah!”

O Great God, Wonderful Heavenly Father,

I feel as if I’m just beginning to sense the immensity of Your love for me. And with it comes the realisation that I need to receive and respond. I dishonour You when I do not allow Your love to fill me, to consume me, to overflow me.

Forgive me, Lord. I simply haven’t had the recognition of this love. Yes, I’ve known it’s there, but I’ve truly had no idea of its size and intensity. I’m beginning to see Your love for me in massive proportions.

Help me, oh please help me to open myself to the absolute limit to receive Your love.

I release myself, O Mighty One, and I express my wish to surrender all things of the flesh, of whatsoever kind. I look for the treasures of heaven. I seek these things in my daily living through this earthly life.

You are my Father. Gloriously I have known no other. Right now, I rejoice in this. Perhaps for the very first time I can say how wonderful it is that my earthly father abandoned me, for this has made it possible for me to know You, truly, as my one-and-only Dad. Hallelujah! O wonder of wonders! O joy in abundance!

I pray, Dear God, for growing awareness of the sweet and deep love You have for me. May I find direction in it. May I be wonderfully equipped to share it.

I am so aware of my small knowledge and recognition of Your love. Lead me deeper into it, please. Bless me with further revelation. Help me set aside the things of this world, that I might embrace the wonders of heaven. Thank You, Lord. Hallelujah!

                                                                                                                            Amen.