6. New Testament Walkers and Talkers

1.. The Gospels - Mark, Luke and John

Thinking

In Mark chapter 2, there is the story of Jesus healing the paralysed man who had been lowered through the roof. The teachers of the law questioned his authority to forgive sins and Jesus read their mind. "At once Jesus perceived in his spirit that they were discussing these questions among themselves; and he said to them, 'Why do you raise such questions in your hearts?' " (V.8.). This incident is also recorded in Luke 6: 8. The passage is a reminder that conversation with God is preaural and preverbal. The Spirit speaks with and to our spirit in a two-way process and hears us before we speak.

Listening

My son, think for a moment how this applies to you today. I know what you are thinking in your spirit.

Praying

Yes, Lord, and there must be many times when I disappoint you. My friends, even my closest friends would have no inkling of this, but you do. Lord, accept my confession now for these thoughts that are inappropriate for a member of your family. I bow before you in confession and need to be washed clean.

Thank you also for entering my consciousness as I was starting to get objective and analytical. I want this devotional reading of your word to be a conversation with you. There are other times and other places for exegesis, debate, and extended discussion.

Lord, after this response to you, it is curious that I now come to the next section with its obvious meaning for me today. It comes over to me as a specific answer to my prayer. Thank you.

Thinking

In Luke 11: 9 is the well-known text. "So I say unto you: Ask, and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you." The Lord could equally have said, "Speak and I will hear you; listen and you will hear me."

John's gospel brings a different perspective perhaps from an older man written from within a contemplative life or community. With this personality, he recalls different things that Jesus said. "But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipper will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father seeks such as these to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth" (John 4: 23-24). Liturgical and corporate worship are important for us as the body of Christ in community, but our Lord has also taught us that we must worship and pray in spirit. I find this to be most effective in personal devotion, when it becomes conversation with God.

John went on in chapter 5 to cite more of our Lord's words: "I tell you the truth, a time is coming and has now come when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live" (V.25.). Perhaps he was speaking about his immediate ministry. However, we who were dead in transgressions have been saved (Ephesians 2: 5) and made alive (Colossians 2:13). Hearing God's voice was a gift given to key leaders in Old Testament days (we don't hear about other people), but now, by his grace, it is given to all.

Listening

My son, just pause a little here. You are getting very analytical again and seem to be pouring out words with rapidity. Do you notice how you just mentioned grace and then rushed on?

Praying

I'm sorry, Lord. Together with your love, grace is the most precious thing I know. It is the whole reason why I am even able to hear your voice let alone write this book. Accept my worship, now as I bow before you. I need to linger in your presence for a time without rushing - which is out of character for me. And my God, I continue to marvel that you, the infinite God want to spend time with me and engage in deep conversation.

Listening

Not just time, my son, eternity! And not just deep conversation. I want to you to share everything with me - the trivial and familiar, the sacred and the secular, family and community. Then I will bless you and teach you how to align each of these with me.

Praying

My Lord, the more I become aware of your grace, the greater it seems to be. You are amazing.

Listening

This is my nature, my son, and I want to share it with every one of you.

(Reader. After I had written down these words of prayer and conversation, I needed to walk around a bit, to be quiet, and to contemplate these things. My vocabulary is insufficient to give words to the wonder and awe I want to bring to God. I just needed to pause in worship. This might be a good time for you to take time out too in personal worship of our God of grace and love.)

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Copyright Howard Smith 2002. All Rights reserved.

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