BEHOLD THE LAMB OF GOD (Part XI)

BEHOLD THE LAMB OF GOD (Part XI)

As we glimpse the PERSON and WORK of JESUS CHRIST, we continue to explore His TEACHING MINISTRY, with the Sermon on the Mount as our starting point. (Matthew, chapters 5-7)  Today we focus on Christ’s Teachings on Giving and Personal Consecration.   Now hear this: Divine order is a fundamental requirement when executing any of the plans and purposes of God.  In other words, we cannot approach GOD (or any of the things of God) in a haphazard or a self-directed manner.  GOD provides the what, why, where, when and how for us.

Jesus Christ had so much to offer on the subject of giving.  This is totally understandable, in view of the essence and character of God-in-Christ, the living and loving personification of giving. (II Corinthians 5:19 – John 3:16)  To wit, God mandates that we also give, without fanfare and with no expectation of reciprocity from those ministries or persons with whom we share our material gifts.  As such, our giving must always be done from the heart, and as “unto the Lord.” (Psalm 96:8)  Consider these words, spoken by Jesus Christ:

Matthew 6:1-4 (NKJV)

1 “Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven. 2 Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. 3 But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly.

Jesus Christ establishes the proper tone for giving, humility, which must always be mirrored in our acts of personal consecration.  According to Him, we should never pray or fast with ulterior motives, i.e. being noticed or applauded by others for our personal piety.  Although corporate prayer is certainly important, our private devotions are so intimate and deemed to be so significant that they result in public blessings, commensurate with our faith and our consistency.  Again, consider the recorded wisdom of Jesus Christ:

Matthew 6:5-8 (NKJV)

⁵ “And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. ⁶ But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. ⁷ And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words.

⁸ “Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him.

Matthew 6:16-18 (NKJV)

16 “Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. 17 But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, 18 so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.

Believers may approach the “throne of grace” with boldness, i.e. relational confidence, but we must arrive there (1) with True Faith in God and (2) in Proper Fellowship with our sisters and brothers. (Hebrews 4:16 – Matthew 5:23-25)  The Lord’s Prayer (or The Disciple’s Prayer) is a model supplication shared by Christ.  First of all, it acknowledges our relationship to the Father; then, it reverences and worships His name; it pursues the establishment of His Kingdom; it petitions Him for our daily bread; it asks for our forgiveness while acknowledging the requirement that we first forgive others; it asks for victory over temptation and satanic influences; and finally, it acknowledges the eternal power and glory of Almighty God.  Jesus offered it to His twelve disciples and He extends it to us:

Matthew 6:9-13 (NKJV)
⁹ In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father, in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. 10 Your kingdom come.  Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.  11 Give us this day our daily bread.  12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.  13 And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.  For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.  Amen.    

Our daily prayers should include every element of Christ’s model prayer.  Both prayer and fasting are mission critical to spiritual survival and success.  If we seek God daily, we will surely find Him. (II Chronicles 15:2)  YOU have a daily appointment…and HE is waiting patiently for your arrival.  Are you in the habit of making this appointment just as vital as any prearranged appointment with your physician, attorney, pastor, or friend?  Think about it.  Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed and stay tuned…more to come!