Samuel D. High
sdhigh@aristotle.net
-----Original Message-----
From: Apostle Tom <pressingon@hotmail.com>
Sent: Mon, 18 Feb 2008 18:19:45 -0600
To: <pressingon@hotmail.com>
Subject: Morning Manna (Feb. 19); BP: James 5:13-18; RBTTY: Mk. 1:23-45;
February 19 “On Grabbing God’s Heart”
“. . .The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.”
James 5:16b
It’s not our status that gets God’s attention; it’s our surrender.
As you ponder today’s Manna, grapple with those words “a righteous man” for a few minutes. No doubt, like most Pilgrims, your first response to James’ words is to argue with him (and God) by quoting Rom. 3:10—“There’s none righteous. . .no, not one,” which is alludes to Ps. 14:1-3 and 53:1-4.
Likewise, it’s possible your mind quickly recalled Isaiah’s words in Is. 64:6-7a: “But, we are all as an unclean thing and all of our righteousnesses are as filthy rags—and we do all fade as a leaf. And, our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. And there is none that calls upon Your Name—that stirs up himself (Heb. ‘uwr’—‘to open one’s eyes, wake up, lift one’s self up, to be bare before, etc.’) to take hold (Heb. ‘chazaq’—‘to fasten onto, to seize, bind, restrain, cleave to, etc.’) of You. . .”
Does that describe you, Pilgrim?
If we’re honest, it describes most of us—for few of us know how to “pray earnestly” as Elijah did (v.17). And, in reality, few of us move very far beyond our sense of depravity and deficiency into the realm of His sufficiency and supply.
But, it shouldn’t be that way, should it?
Or, maybe we should ask, “It doesn’t have to remain that way, does it?”
No—a thousand times no! Hallelujah!!
If we, who are called by Christ’s Name, are truly “children of the King of kings,” then why should we be content with living as a pauper or some abandoned orphan? Has not our Lord promised to help us “do greater works than He did because He’s interceding for us even at this very minute” (Jn. 14:12-14; Heb. 7:24-25)? And, hasn’t He promised to give unto us His “robe of righteousness” when we “come to ourselves” and return to Him (Lk. 15:17-24) and cover our wretchedness by His blood?
Assuredly He has!
Therefore, no longer should we cower in a corner, shrouded in guilt when we’re covered by grace. Instead, we should heed the blessed Invitation to “Come” (Is. 55:1-3; Mt. 11:28-30) and live in the “abundant pardon” He provides to all who believe and repent (Is. 55:6-7).
Just as we wouldn’t play hard-to-get with our child when he’s hungry (Lk. 11:11-12), neither will our Heavenly Father withhold from us that which we need when we need it (Lk. 11:13; Ps. 37:4). Remember: When God’s “only begotten Son” lives within us, Jesus’ indwelling Presence is what grabs His attention—not our righteousness.
And, when we become “heirs of God and joint-heirs with Jesus” (Rom. 8:17), doesn’t it follow that He will hear us when we call to Him in faith? May the Spirit help us learn today to pray “effectually, fervently and earnestly” (James 5:16b-17a).
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