Persistence in prayer, genuine repentance, child-like trust and dependence, and a willingness to abandon all forms of security other than Jesus himself; all marks of the kingdom of God and the way to receive its blessings, both now and in the future. And the promise that comes to all those whose lives are marked in this way is among the most comforting in the whole gospel: this one ‘went home justified before God.’
• Look back at vs. 11 and 12. Do you know that God’s approval and favour can never be earned?
• In what ways are you currently trying to earn God’s approval and favour?
• What might Jesus be asking you to give up for the sake of God’s kingdom?
• How can you become more child-like towards God? Ask him to help you become like this.
I think v.22 -24 is about what we love and what we love more than God. That is the challenge to me. My experience of God and his blessings is limited by the things I may love more than I love him.My usefulness to him is limited in the same way.God loved David because he was wholehearted. That made up for a lot of his failings.
ReplyDelete