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Knowing what to ask forThursday, March 17, 2011
Matthew 7:7-12 "Which one of you would hand his son a stone when he asked for a loaf of bread, or a snake when he asked for a fish? "If you then, who are wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good things to those who ask him.
"Do to others whatever you would have them do to you."
Understanding what to ask for and what to give away can make my life a lot simpler to live. Whatever you need, I will give you, Jesus says. Don't get too specific; I know exactly what good gifts are for you. Just open your hands and receive. Be thankful and keep on receiving. Jesus often tells his listeners not to be afraid. Afraid of scarcity, of being left out, afraid that nobody really cares about anything except themselves. That just isn't true of your Father, Jesus says. Promise fulfilled. So open your hands. Give. Receive. Give. I make lots of mistakes and hold on when I should let go. Or I let go when I should hold on. That confusion doesn't end with toilet training ... and still I hear Jesus reminding me to reverse my perspective when I see awful things happening, when I know even worse things are coming, when life is very very difficult. So, Lord, this is what I really want. All three wishes really come down to just one. I want to trust you and know you've always always always got my back. What you tell me over and over, I want to believe into the farthest reaches of my mind and with all of my heart. Then I can live with gladness in this kingdom you have given to us, and relax in your arms. |
In Luke's version of this story, Jesus says, "Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom." And he goes on to tell his listeners: "Sell what you have and give to the poor ... where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Luke 12).