Thoughts on Discipleship by Dr. W. A. Dillard - HTML preview

WORDS SIMPLY FAIL US

How many times have all of God’s marvelous people approached the throne of grace in prayer, wishing they were better equipped in both the excellence of language, and a more perfect understanding of just how to best present their petitions? Yet, despite one’s infirmity in language, the prayer is made, and made to be acceptable to the Father who hears and answers. How can that be?

Each of us, no matter the level of education, is hampered somewhat by linguistic infirmity. But there is no such infirmity in this or anything else with God. So He Who looks on the heart reads (hears) in perfect language unknown to us. Consider that this is exactly what is revealed in Romans 8:26, “ Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.” How marvelous it is that our Heavenly Father, receives our petitions in divine perfection despite our limitations. Let me illustrate.

A number of years ago, my wife and I were in San Jose, Costa Rica. I was to speak at the seminary there. We enjoyed the continuing fellowship with Gene Ray and Barbara Ward. One evening, the four of us were shopping at a center. The Wards had brief business to attend, so Laura and I decided to do a little window shopping. She decided that she wanted a coca cola. We went into a store, and I stood back to allow Laura this experience alone. The clerk understood “coca cola” and readily produced one. Laura dug out all the Costa Rican currency she had which was several pieces to allow the clerk to take what was necessary in payment. It was then that she found herself broke and the clerk asking for something more which she did not understand. After a few non-productive exchanges the clerk (who was asking for a deposit on the bottle) produced a medium sized, new plastic bag. The coke was poured into it and a straw placed in it, and the bag was handed to astonished Laura. Of course I broke up laughing as did she and the Wards as we walked out of the store.

The illustration may be crude, but here was a case of profound linguistic infirmity. Still, based on the required payment being made for the contents of the bottle, Laura got her coca cola anyway.

Perhaps none of us pray the perfect prayer outside of repeating the model prayer Jesus gave to us, but there is another power in play. It is the power of the Spirit of the Living God Who knows in minute detail the heart of the petitioner, and presents its content to the Heavenly Father in totally acceptable form. Thus, we are admonished in Hebrews 4:16, “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of Grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” In simple words, of scripture “. . . Ye have not, because ye ask not.” James 4:2 . Linguistic infirmity does not block petitions of the heart!

FOR THOUGHT: How many times have your most sincere and urgent prayers gone up to God without your having uttered a word verbally?

Have you ever used your perceived inability to properly express a prayer to keep you from praying? Why?

What do you think would increase your confidence in your prayers being heard and answered?

WORLD WAR II SUGAR!

The Bible Promise is so clearly set forth in Luke 6:38, “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.” Attention is drawn to the action: “give, and it shall be given unto you.” Also attention is drawn to the source: “shall men give into your bosom.” Here is how it happened once upon a time.

During World War II, sugar, among other things was rationed. Folks in the country found it difficult to have enough for household use plus for canning purposes. Now it happened that my family lived in the country, near the backside of Fort Chaffee. Tanks of the 4th Armored Division and other vehicles were common around our house, and soldiers bivouacked so close we could see them, and particularly so when they had chow time. We were poor as were most in those days, but we had lots of milk from old Jersey. Mom would say to us kids, “Take these two gallons of cold milk to those soldiers.” They were grateful for the gift, so grateful they pointed out a tree and told us to dig there after they left. We did, and there all wrapped up was a large sack of sugar. They could not give it to us, nor did they dare return it for fear of getting less next time. So, our family was blessed with something we needed in exchange for something we had plenty of, but was a blessing to some great young men who probably died on foreign soil.

So, what is the point? One may, in self pity, lament his lack, but it is better to focus on his surplus. There are others who have need of what one has, or knows, and how many desperately need the joy of a born-again, knowledgeable Christian! To busy oneself in ministry to the needs of others is the path to a fulfilled life, all the material things that are necessary, and the reward of heavenly commendation! Got milk? Need sugar? Give, and it shall be given to you! Do you want the undying devotion of a true friend? Share Jesus and His love with your acquaintances and enemies. Even in secular employment one must give of his skill and labor before receiving the reward of it. Seek out ways to beneficially serve others, and you will reap good measure!

FOR THOUGHT: Have you noticed that it truly is more blessed to give than to receive? Have you also noticed that everyone loves the person who is doing things to help others? Where does this good measure spoken of come from? Is it not from men? List a couple of things you purposefully did recently to be helpful to others.