01-Aug-2024 – Remember your relationship with God before you pray
For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. – Romans 8:15
Today is the first day of a new month, and we start a new theme called prayer. Based on the above verse, may God help us to understand the message for today.
Prayer is a very common subject in a believer’s life. It is taught to a believer at a very early stage, and probably the first thing we learn and do as believers is pray to God. But today, we will focus on the above verse.
In the verse, two things are mentioned. The first is the spirit of bondage. The second is the spirit of adoption. Before delving into these, let us remember our salvation.
Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. – Hebrews 2:14-15
From this verse, we can understand our position when God saved us through the blood of Jesus Christ. We were slaves of the devil. It was written, “lifetime subject to bondage.” So there was no way out.
Now let us imagine an ancient slave market. The slaves in the market do not have any identity. They are in bondage for their lives. If the new master who bought them is kind enough, they may be treated somewhat better. We know the story of Joseph, but let us not get into it.
Imagine God took one of the slaves of the devil that He saved through the blood of Jesus Christ and called them His servant. A servant is a better position than a slave. A slave does not have his own identity, will, or dignity but is treated as an object. But a servant has an identity, earns wages for the work he does, and can have a life of his own. Yet, the relationship is still a master and servant relationship.
Now consider a second scenario: God redeemed and saved a slave of the devil who was actually destined for eternal hellfire and adopted him as His son. Now, in this position, not only does he have his own life, will, and desires to be fulfilled, but he is now counted as a child of God. He becomes the heir to the wealth and possessions of God. The name, title, position, relationship, and authority—everything is now available to one who was once a slave of the devil but is now a child of God.
Prayer is asking for something, requesting something, bringing something to the notice of a higher authority, requesting a favor for someone, or seeking the favor of the person we are praying to. Now imagine how a servant would ask, and how a child would ask.
…we cry, Abba, Father – Romans 8:15
Today, God reminds us first to remember the relationship before we even pray. We are praying to our Abba, Father, who took the responsibility of bringing us to heaven instead of eternal hell. A father is always merciful and gracious to his own children. Now, when you are praying for anything, remembering that your God will have mercy and grace for sure, how effective will your prayer be transformed? You will confidently pray to your Father, who is God of all.
Prayer
Dear loving Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us of our position in Jesus Christ. It is true that only because of the privileged relationship You graciously gave us, we are able to come into Your presence to pray for our needs. Please help us to remember this truth always so that our prayer life will be transformed to be more effective. I pray in the name of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen!
0 Comments