praying effectively: See and Hear God (John 12, Lk.10)

(We have reached the New Testament, and I will be using the NASB Integrated Bible for the four books of the gospel, while grouping all of the main points together.)  

(John 12:37:43)  But though He had performed so many signs before them, yet they were not believing in Him. 38 This was to fulfill the word of Isaiah the prophet which he spoke: “Lord, who has believed our report? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?” 39 For this reason they could not believe, for Isaiah said again, 40 “He has blinded their eyes and He hardened their heart, so that they would not see with their eyes and perceive with their heart, and be converted and I heal them.” 41 These things Isaiah said because he saw His glory, and he spoke of Him. 42 Nevertheless many even of the rulers believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they were not confessing Him, for fear that they would be put out of the synagogue; 43 for they loved the approval of men rather than the approval of God.

(Luke 10:21-24)  At that very time He rejoiced greatly in the Holy Spirit, and said, “I praise You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent and have revealed them to infants. Yes, Father, for this way was well-pleasing in Your sight. 22 All things have been handed over to Me by My Father, and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, and who the Father is except the Son, and anyone to whom the Son wills to reveal Him.”

23 Turning to the disciples, He said privately, “Blessed are the eyes which see the things you see, 24 for I say to you, that many prophets and kings wished to see the things which you see, and did not see them, and to hear the things which you hear, and did not hear them.”

Reminder:  "praying effectively" involves knowing God's will.  When we pray in His will (in His name), He may choose to not answer those prayers in the time period that we would like, or HOW we would like - but He will answer those prayers!

It is God's will:

- that when Jesus came to earth, those whom would be believers, their eyes and ears were opened to understand that Jesus is God, and those whom would not believe, their hearts would be hardened.  In this way, it would be used to accomplish Jesus' work on the cross (Lk.10:21-22)

- that we open our spiritual eyes and ears to see and hear the Lord (Lk.10:23-24)

- that we believe in Jesus, confess that Jesus is Lord, and love the approval of God rather than men (John 12:42-43)

Today's prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, thank You that You love everyone so much - You give everyone a free will and never force Yourself on anyone.  Thank You that You are fair and just as well as loving - You would never harden anyone's heart unless they would never become a believer.  And thank You that You are sovereign - so that no matter how sinful a person might get, You will use their sinful actions to bring about good and bring about Your will.  

Help us to open our spiritual eyes and ears more to understand that Your ways are perfect, so we may rest confidently in You, in Your joy and contentment.  Help us to know Your will and remain steadfast and obedient, in Your strength and guidance.  Help us to trust You for courage to share the gospel message whenever You present us with an opportunity, in Your wisdom and in Your love... realizing that You are also working on the hearts and minds of those who will become believers, so that they will see and hear.  Amen.