PRAYING FOR THE PEOPLE OF GOD We have been exposed to the heart of the kingdom of God – the appointed objective for the people of God. It is apparent that it differs vastly from the perceptions extant in the contemporary church. These are matters concerning which very little is being said from the pulpits of the land. You will rarely hear any pray request that is remotely associated with this prayer. As a general rule, these things are simply not seen as important, much less essential.
"For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness." (Colossians 1:9-11, KJV)
Devotion 32 of 32
All of this indicates that, as in Isaiah's day, truth has "fallen in the street" (Isa 59:14). As in Jeremiah's day "truth is perished, and is cut off from their mouth" (Jer 7:28). As hard as it may be to receive, "A wonderful and horrible thing is committed in the land; the prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so" (Jer 5:30-31).
A new gospel, which is really no gospel at all, is being foisted upon the church. It has largely to do with life in this world, and very little to do with eternity. It is the kind of Gospel that does not require "glorious power." It does not demand that those who embrace it be "filled with the knowledge of His will." In fact, one can remain abysmally ignorant of God's will and still be a member in good standing.
This neo-gospel does not move people to seek for a knowledge that erupts in "all wisdom and spiritual understanding." Throughout the land professed Christians wander about in the field of truth like groping blind men, unable to comprehend or apply the truth of God by which men are sanctified. The average churchman is not noted for being either wise or understanding in things pertaining to life and godliness.
This is a day when there is little insistence that people walk "worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing." Pleasing the institution is actually of greater importance than pleasing God. Some mention is made of being fruitful, but hardly ever do you hear of being "fruitful in EVERY good work," and "INCREASING in the knowledge of God." And what of possessing "ALL patience and longsuffering WITH joyfulness?" Is there anyone in all America who does not know this is an uncommon thrust?
THIS IS NOT UNDULY HARSH
All of this may appear to be unduly harsh and negative. However, when one ponders the situation, such imaginations will instantly be cast down. Our text has revealed the prayer of a righteous man – one who received mercy "to be faithful" (1 Cor 7:25). He was counting all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ (Phil 3:8-14), and Christ was living in him (Gal 2:20). He had an understanding of salvation, and of the things integral to it – an understanding that had been given to him (Eph 3:4-11).
His prayer focuses on matters relating to the Lord Himself: "the knowledge of HIS will . . . worthy of THE LORD unto all pleasing . . . increasing in the knowledge OF GOD . . . and "HIS glorious power." There is a plentitude that requires sober thought: "ALL wisdom and spiritual understanding . . . ALL pleasing . . . EVERY good work . . . INCREASING . . . ALL might . . . ALL patience and longsuffering."
Such things require more than human strength. They call for "glorious power," which comes from God alone!
How could the lack of emphasis on such things possibly be excused? In fact, the weakened condition of the modern church is largely owing to its failure to speak of such realities. The religion of the day is not demanding. It does not require an aggressive quest for the Lord, His power, and His will. It is too accommodating to the flesh, and thus is powerless in every sense of the word.
Remember, this prayer was prayed for a people who were giving evidence of the extensive working of the Lord within them. It reflects the nature of the kingdom, the expectancies of the Lord, and the need of the hour. These are matters that cannot be ignored either in preaching or in praying. They are not ancillary matters, but are at the very heart of God's dealings with His children. They must be sought and obtained.
PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus, grant that this pray may be fulfilled in me.
-- Tomorrow, New Series: BEING RIGHTEOUS IN AN UNRIGHTEOUS WORLD –