Today!

Today!

Give us today our daily bread. Matthew 6:11 NIV

The Context and Focus:

Again, we read from the teachings of Jesus as he sat on the Mountain. His disciples were with him on the Mountain, and as was always the custom, there was a huge crowd at the foot of the mountain. It appears to me that the messages on the Mountain were addressed to those who were his disciples. Indeed, the crowd will hear, but there can not be an expectations from someone who has not submitted to authority and instruction. You can only command obedience and total allegiance from someone who has taken up citizenship, and is committed to lawful residence and adherence to the rules and regulations of that territory. As it is in the physical, so is it in the spiritual. Jesus will not command obedience from me unless and until I have submitted to His Lordship and authority. It is on this basis that the entire sermon of Jesus will apply to me. Pray, how does a man love his enemies if He has not experienced the love of Jesus? How do you command perfection from someone who has not submitted his life, and takes daily help and instruction from the only Perfect One? 

The Message:

One of the instructions for disciples is to PRAY. Jesus does not leave us in any doubt as to when, how and to whom we should pray. He tells us to avoid the public show that hypocrites are accustomed to. He also tells us to avoid vain repetitions like pagans do, which tells me that public prayer cannot be the only measure of the presence of God, and neither can a lot of words automatically mean that the prayer is accepted. You can have both public prayer, as well as long prayers, as long as the foundation to acceptable prayer is laid. The foundation that matters is a living, breathing relationship with God. No matter how long or short the prayer is, or the place where it happens, make sure that God is in it with you. That is why the LORD's prayer, from where today's verse is taken, starts with the amazing expression: 'Our Father'. It is first a father-child relationship more than anything else, and it unlocks all the benefits and blessings that flow therefrom. This relationship thrives on the personal touch; I make sure it is nurtured and preserved by regular attention. Whatever you plant and do not water consistently eventually dies, just like whatever relationship you do not pay the right attention to also eventually dies. 

The Conclusion:

In that prayer lies the words of today's verse, and it simply asks God to provide us with enough provision for the day. It would be really amazing to have saved enough to last you for years, but it also appears that God does not always do that. He may give grace to have investments and resources that can secure a good future, but these must never take my eyes off God. I must not trust the provisions more than the Provider. One of the major reasons why God would give me just enough for the day could be that He wants me to speak with him regularly. The nature of the natural man is such that he only goes to God when there is a need, or there is a mess to sort out. God wants to be involved in my daily life, its pursuits and priorities. As I trust Him for the future, I have to live for the day, trusting Him to supply all that I need for today. There is no value to worrying about a day in the future; I just trust God on a daily basis for the provision that is required for today. He gives enough bread for today; I eat enough and do not waste, because I know that if He allows me see tomorrow, He will also supply enough for that day. God's time of favour is here.