The Special of the Day… From the Orange Moon Cafe…
"A Gift Beyond Compare"
We do well to keep ever mindful the wonder of a gift beyond compare, which results in the bestowal of countless other gifts beyond number and measure.
"I make mention of you always in my prayers" (Romans 1:9).
The Apostle Paul greatly desired to visit the believers of Rome to bless and be blessed by their fellowship in Christ. Other ministry responsibilities had long hindered the possibility (Romans 1:11; 13; 16:20-24). So, Paul did what he could do. He wrote a letter that became the very heart of Biblical doctrine, or as the poet Coleridge suggested, "The epistle of Paul to the Romans is the most profound writing in existence." Amen to that, and amen also to something else Paul did for the Christians of Rome: he prayed for them. He gave a gift to his brothers and sisters from afar, or rather, he sought the Giver of "every good gift and every perfect gift" for them (James 1:17).
We must be sure to not allow the familiarity of the privilege and the responsibility to hinder our wonder. The living and true God, "the Possessor of Heaven and earth," beckons us to His throne of grace to seek His bestowal of blessedness not only for ourselves, but for others. "I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men" (I Timothy 2:1). Far more importantly, He promises to answer our prayers as we offer them through Christ, and in accordance with His will (Romans 5:2; I John 5:14).
Consider the enormity of such a calling. Or rather, realize the impossibility of more than a cursory consideration regarding the wonder. We can seek the grace of God's working and provision in the hearts and lives of others, knowing He desires to answer our prayers far more than we desire to pray them. Indeed, sincere requests of intercession for others proceeds from the love of Christ in the hearts of those who believe. The Father who motivates and empowers such praying through the Holy Spirit surely responds in ways beyond anything we can understand. We see some answers, of course, but not all. Nor do we need to know all God does in the lives of others as we pray. "We walk by faith, not by sight" (II Corinthians 5:7). Our need rather involves glad obedience to the calling, and confident assurance of God's answers in ways "exceeding, abundantly above all we ask or think" (Ephesians 3:20).
I thought of this as I prayed for my family this morning. I won't see most of them today, and will not have direct involvement in their lives. I can and must "see" our Father, however, and ask for His direct involvement, a far greater possibility and actuality. What a wonder indeed, and what a privileged responsibility to seek the bestowal of His heart and hand upon the hearts and hands of those who mean much to us. Little wonder the only directly mentioned request for teaching recorded in the Gospels by the disciples concerns this most blessed of callings. We do well to join them in our own request in the realization of such a gift, beyond compare…
"Lord, teach us to pray."
(Luke 1:11)
Weekly Memory Verse
"The meek will He guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way."
(Psalm 25:9)
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