Word and Prayer

God’s people pray. They call upon the name of the Lord because they are strangers in the earth (Ps 119:19). They have seen the kingdom of God (Jn 3:3), that is, God’s supernatural workings in the Spirit (Rom 14:17). They long for the kingdom, not of this world, but the kingdom of heaven, where Christ is enthroned on high (Ps 110:1; Eph 2:6; Rev 7:17).

The Bible is God’s communication from heaven. The arrogant and cursed wander far from this book. They deem it foolishness and a stumbling block to their dreams of more of this dark domain. These live by sight, not faith. Ironically, they are blinded by the lust of their eyes and the pride of life in this world (1 Jn 2:15–17).

Sin hinders one’s daily meditation on the Word of life (Phil 2:16; 1 Jn 1:1). The living Word is the life of the believer (Gal 2:20), who is guided on the straight and narrow path (Jn 16:13). She was lost, but the light of this Word is guiding her home to heavenly Zion, in a better country (Heb 11:16).

The unbeliever is at home in the world. His desire is to make the world a better place. His schemes are to change the world into his own version of heaven. He assures himself that with more of the world under his control, happiness will increase for him. This man has been deceived, unaware that true life is in the revelation of God: Word and Spirit.

Grace opens the eyes of the blind (Jn 9). Seeing the light of Christ permits the viewer to know abundant life is spiritual (Jn 10:10; 1 Cor 2:15). Growing in grace and knowledge of truth (2 Pet 3:18), from the Word of truth (Ps 119; Jn 17:17), sets free the captive to materialism (Jn 8:32; 2 Cor 8–9). She is freed from captivity to the things of the world (Phil 4:11; 1 Tim 6:8; Heb 13:5).

Christ Jesus has overcome the world (Jn 16:33). His followers join Him in the parade of triumph (2 Cor 2:14). They have victory in Him by faith (1 Jn 5:4). Faith looks to Jesus and knows that He is her salvation (Ex 15:2). His kingdom is forever (2 Pet 1:11), but this world will soon pass away under judgment and wrath (2 Pet 3:10–12). Her task is to redeem the time (Eph 5:16), in service to her Lord (Eph 6:7).

Christians are not of this world (Jn 8:23; 15:19; 18:36). They have been transferred to the kingdom of God’s beloved Son (Col 1:13). They have found refuge in Christ’s embassy upon the earth, that is, His church. Princes sit and talk against God’s people and their Leader (Ps 119:23; Mt 23:10), but the saint’s allegiance is to King Jesus, always and forever.

Life in the embassy of Christ, in the world, is challenged by the world (Jn 7:7; 15:18–25; Rom 1:30). The god of this world despises Christ’s representatives and will find ways to punish them for crimes against allegiance to the godless state (2 Cor 4:4).

God’s people, in the midst of this world’s hostility, seek God for wisdom (1 Cor 1:24). They set their minds on things above (Col 3:2), where Christ is seated upon His throne, in power, and with all authority (Mt 28:18). Wisdom is found in His counsel, and His Spirit guides the steps of His beloved, to find His testimonies as the wisest counsel (Ps 119:24).

Having adopted His children from the ranks of the rebellious (Rom 8:15, 23; Eph 1:4–5), His course for them is to remove their worldliness (Rom 8:29; 1 Pet 1:15–16). He causes them to taste and see that His heavenly delicacies are sweeter and far more satisfying (Ps 34:8).

The child of God, growing up in Christ, is increasingly given to the things of God. God’s Word is more and more his delight (Jer 15:16). Wonderful things are found within the pages of Scripture. The one who diligently seeks the truth of God in Christ will not be disappointed (Rom 9:33; Rom 10:11; 1 Pet 2:6).

Prayer is stimulated by the Word unveiled. Christ leads His pilgrim people into the holiest of holies, when they approach God in the ordained way. Christ is the way (Jn 14:6). His reward is with Him, and this reward is truth. Truth is the riches of His glory. For this reason, men should seek Him (Heb 11:6). His name is wonderful because He alone is true (Rom 3:4).

Has God begun His good work in you (Phil 1:6)? Examine yourself and your longings. Egypt is luxurious, but Canaan’s only redeeming quality is God himself. He makes the dry and dusty land flow with milk and honey. In other words, you will have trouble in the world, resisting the temptations to return to the world. His river of grace, flowing to His chosen ones, will satisfy them like nothing else.

The Greeks were on the right path when they inquired, “Sir, we would see Jesus (Jn 12:21).” The preacher affirms, “Seek first the kingdom of God (Mt 6:33),” for if you seek Him who reigns over all, you shall find Him. He is very near to those who wait upon Him. Resist the devil’s distractions and flee from immorality (1 Cor 6:18; Jas 4:7).

Christian, what is your prayer, today? Do you seek Him to satisfy the lusts of your flesh, in this world of sin? His chastening, in love for your soul, is justified (Heb 12:4–17). Earnestly pray for God to fill your mind with Christ (1 Cor 2:16). Sincerely pray for Him to fill your heart with affections for His Word (Ps 119:97). He will deal with you bountifully in this matter.

Prayer and God’s Word are the rest areas on the circuitous journey of eternal life. You are not getting very far in this world. Be assured that being progressive toward eternal hell is no advantage for you. What you need today is Jesus Christ, the lover of your soul. Talk to Him and hear from Him at all times (1 Thess 5:17–18). Draw near to Him, and He will draw near to you (Jas 4:8). He promised He would…and He does.

David Norczyk

Spokane Valley, Washington

May 10, 2022