Warriors Arise: February 17, 2024
Matthew 7:11 & 12 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him! Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.
Verse twelve seems like Jesus got distracted by a squirrel. He was encouraging everyone to be persistent in asking His Father for something which led to God being more loving than we are, as parents. Then goes straight into "Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them".
I am not sure how the three concepts relate. However, since verse twelve begins with "therefore," I have a new understanding of the connection. I have heard many people quote verse twelve as the Golden Rule. But it was never in context with verse eleven, or even verses seven through eleven. When we keep verse twelve with verses seven through eleven the context changes and so should the application.
Verses seven through eleven, are about persistently praying until we get the answer from God. We are assured, He will answer and His answer will be better than what we can get from our parents. Coupling verse twelve with verses seven through eleven reveals it isn't necessarily about doing to others what I want them to do to me, it is about praying for the request of others as I would want them to join me in my prayer requests. I am praying for them consistently and persistently taking their petitions before God with them.
The Golden Rule is a good concept, but when we keep the verse in context, it seems to add a whole new dynamic. Sometimes it is easier to do for another, buy something we see they need, give to the poor or control our irritation toward another, but to take it to another level, a level of loving them through prayer, is loving others as ourselves. That is the second greatest commandment.
It is easier to give to someone than to consistently and persistently pray for what they are needing. Giving to someone can be a one and done, feel good, moment; however, praying for someone means we have to connect our faith to believe for what God wants to do for them. Giving to someone doesn't generally take faith. Praying consistently and persistently for someone to get their miracle takes time, effort, focus and faith. Pray for the needs of others as you would want them to pray for your's.
My Father in heaven, hallowed be Your Name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give me today, daily bread, Scriptures that will empower what I am praying for others. Forgive me for taking th easy way to give to others. I ask to be reminded to pray for others. I ask to know what their needs are and couple my prayers with their's. I pray my prayers would add fuel to their fire. I pray they would know someone is praying with them and they are encouraged to continue to seek You until they hear Your answer and see what Your re going to do in Jesus' Name, amen.
A Warrior in the Lord’s Army,
Veridee Joy Hand
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