Simple people – 2016.10.07
At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said: I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do.
Luke 10,21
There are people who have very firm beliefs about God. They know (almost) everything about Him. They know how to conduct themselves correctly, what is allowed in church, what God should and shouldn’t do… they know all that, but they do not know the living God. Without Jesus, every path bypasses God. Poor wise man! They do not see the forest because of the trees blocking the view. Then there are the insecure. They know very little about God but would love to know more. They have made a start with Jesus and are discovering new things every day. They are small and dependent on Him, because they are only human. They want His recognition, not that of other people. They want Him to take centre stage, not themselves. These are often the people of whom is written here: they are simple, have simple jobs, plain clothing, eat plain food… they are simply simple. There is nothing special about them.
But in them God sees the treasure of faith, His Son Jesus. Yes, Jesus lives in them and makes them strong and precious. They radiate heavenly joy and pray full of trust. And God reacts to their plain, but trusting prayers. He blesses them abundantly;- they are enviable, these people! Yes, what seems plain and simple to us has a very high value for God, our Heavenly Father.
That is why we should seek out these simple people and tell them about God and Jesus. They want the Saviour and Helper! We need to be courageous and pray for their needs and trust that God will answer. He wants to prove Himself;- the honour of answered prayers is not ours. Yes, let us march like the Salvation Army of old, full of godly strength, to bring the Gospel of love and freedom to the "children"! They are waiting for the Saviour! We want to belong to these "simple" people and trust God for everything. Our self-confidence shall be changed to God-confidence. Our virtue and strength shall be changed to humility. Let us pray as if everything depends on God and expect everything from Him. He is the living God!!!
Thank You, Jesus, for showing us the Father! As You have lived with the Father, so we want to live with Him: full of trust and in total dependence, but also full of joy and thanks!
Bible study for today: John 9,18-41