Ask Much

February 28

Some people are quite fearful of an unknown almighty. That fear was abundantly evident in times when, in order to appease a wrathful god, they would sacrifice their children or their best and brightest citizens on a bloody altar in order to quell the wrath, to assure the appeasement they thought was needed for survival. In pagan cultures, one was sacrificed periodically, for the whole.

Even the Jews sacrificed a perfect lamb to the Lord each Passover. And, the High Priest, when discussion was being made of trying Christ and condemning Him for blasphemy, lest He stir up the wrath of Rome and the whole nation perish (John 11:49-53), stated that it would be far better that one (Jesus) be sacrificed for the nation.

But that mindset does not track with that of loving parents who would gladly perish in order to save their children—or of our loving God, who came to die for man’s sin in order that man might be redeemed from the consequence of his sin and thereby gain eternal salvation. Jesus used a graphic illustration to point up the great love our heavenly Father has for us.

In Matthew 7:9-11, He says, “Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask Him!” May we come boldly before Him; may we ask much of Him, for He is the most generous and loving Father.