More Than a Good Gift, part 2

After Jesus gives us a prayer to pray, he further explains what prayer is.

First, let's look at Jesus' parable. What is the man's situation who is doing the asking? What is he asking for? There are reasons Jesus uses this specific illustration, and not any other. None of his words are ever wasted.

The man is making a request on behalf of a friend. He wants his friend's needs to be met and to generously show him hospitality and favor (Why three loaves? It seems that's two more than what he would need... maybe he includes one for himself to share and then an extra one, just for good measure?). ASK BIG! What would you want for your friends who are in need? You know they need something that you can't give them, so ASK! Be persistent! And don't ask for just enough... ask for three loaves!

Then Jesus tells us that familiar promise: "Ask and it will be given you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you."

Then he repeats the promise... why? Why does he say it twice? Does he not want us to miss it? For emphasis? Picture him talking to his disciples; picture him repeating his promise... He didn't misspeak; he really meant it! And be confident that God won't give you something harmful. His gifts don't hurt. Only good can come from Him.

Now here's the kicker... what is the best gift God can give us?

I've been reading a little book called Quiet Talks on Power, by SD Gordon. It was written over 100 years ago, but it's message is transcendent and powerful. Let me share a bit of it here:

"How is it possible, you will be ready to ask, for me to lead the life the Master's ambition has planned for me, with such mixed motives, selfish ambitions, sinfulness and weakness as I am beginning to get a glimpse of -- how is it possible?

There is one answer to that intense heart-question, and only one. We must have power, some supernatural power, something outside of us, and above us, and far greater than we, to come in and win the victory within us and for us."

He goes on to describe all the needs for God's power for different kinds of people. "If society young people are to remain in the world, and yet not be swayed by its spirit", "to keep sweet in the home, where if anywhere, the seamy side is apt to stick out... to be gracious and strong, and patient and tender, and cheery, in the commonplace things, and the commonplace places."

"... Now, I have something to tell you tonight that to me is very wonderful, and constantly growing in wonder. It is this -- the Master has thought of all that! He has thought into your life. Yes, I mean your particular life, and made an arrangement to fully cover all your need of power. He stands anew in our midst today, and putting His pierced hand gently upon your arm, His low, loving, clear voice says quietly, but very distinctly, "You -- you shall have power." For every subtle, strong temptation, for every cry of need, for every low moan of disappointment, for every locking of the jaws in the resolution of despair, for every disheartened look out into the morrow, for every yearningly amibitious heart there comes tonight that unmistakable ringing promise of His -- ye shall have power."

Tell me... do you know of a greater gift? His power comes through the Holy Spirit, and good fruit comes from the Holy Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, kindness, faithfulness, and self-control. We can ask for these things, and God will give them! So start knocking!