When I was in Bible college, I was also on staff at a large church. My mother gave me some advice about working for other people and working in an office, as I had not worked in an office before.
She said, “you observe your boss and learn the office procedures. Like when and how to talk with him. Also, a time when he is in good humor.” I did that, but I saw men barge into his office and demand this or that. It usually ended with him shutting the door, and when they came out, they were not wearing smiley faces.
Her advice reminds me of something in the Bible.
How do we approach, talk to, or call upon God?
Are we just barging in and demanding our way? Or are we humbly approaching His throne of mercy and grace with yielded hearts?
It is interesting to note in the Old Testament of the Bible that when people approached God humbly, He listened; if not, He turned his face away and ear away, (Exodus 3:5 Then he said, “Do not come near; take your sandals off your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.”; Genesis 17:3 Then Abram fell on his face. And God said to him,; Psalm 31:16 Make your face shine on your servant; save me in your steadfast love!).
It is also interesting in the New Testament how many times people approached Jesus with Humble hearts, and He answered their request, (Mark 10:49-50 And Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” And they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take heart. Get up; he is calling you.” And throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus.; Romans 10:12, 13 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”; 1 Corinthians 1:2 To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours:...).
Many requests were answered, but many who approached arrogantly were rejected. Are we honoring God the proper way, with the right attitude and humbly asking Him for Help?
See you in Church next Sunday.