Asking Too Little?
Asking Too Little?
“Thou art coming to a king, large petitions with thee bring.”
Tradition tells us that Alexander the Great was approached by two of his kings. The first came and made his petition to this affect: “Please, my Lord, I do not wish to disturb you or take up your time, but might I have two thousand men and a thousand horses?” The second approached, humble but bold. “My Lord, I need ten thousand men and five thousand horses at once.” According to the legend, Alexander the Great refused the first petition, but immediately granted the requirements of the second. His counsellors asked Alexander for an explanation. Alexander is said to have replied, “This second man knows my glory.”
How many of us approach God as the Cosmic Miser? “I hate to bother you, but could you do these few little things?” How much more do we glorify God by coming to him, acknowledging his glory and power and love by great and confident petitions. “This seems so big to me God, but I know You can do it!”
I do not mean to say that the little troubles of daily life are unworthy to be brought before God. Nothing is too tiny to escape the interest and power of God. He wants you to come to him with each and every thing which concerns you. Yet I do want to embolden you to come before your Sovereign Lord with large requests. He is waiting to shower you with the riches of his treasury. It is as though he leans forward to hear your prayers, saying, “Yes, my child, but is there any more?”
"Come, My Soul, Thy Suit Prepare"
by John Newton, 1725-1807
Come, my soul, thy suit prepare,
Jesus loves to answer prayer;
He Himself has bid thee pray,
Therefore will not say thee nay.
Thou art coming to a King,
Large petitions with thee bring;
For His grace and pow'r are such
None can ever ask too much.
With my burden I begin:
Lord, remove this load of sin;
Let Thy blood, for sinners spilt,
Set my conscience free from guilt.
Lord, I come to Thee for rest,
Take possession of my breast;
There Thy blood-bought right maintain
And without a rival reign.
As the image in the glass
Answers the beholder's face,
Thus unto my heart appear;
Print Thine own resemblance there.
While I am a pilgrim here,
Let Thy love my spirit cheer;
As my Guide, my Guard, my Friend,
Lead me to my journey's end.
Show me what I have to do;
Every hour my strength renew.
Let me live a life of faith;
Let me die Thy people's death.
Thank you to Mr. Barham for these thoughts.
Painting: Two Girls Praying. Emile Munier.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008