August 25, 2010
I’ve been thinking and praying(!)…that prayer Pastor Derek pointed out to us last Wednesday. I know I am not the only one who has prayed, “Lord, Save me!” this week. There is another prayer that I has had new meaning for me over the years. It’s found in Genesis 32. This episode of Jacob’s life has always pulled me in. You can read the whole chapter, or at least verses 24 to 27. We focused on these verses tonight.
You see it? Jacob pleaded and declared: “I won’t let you until you bless me.” He asked God to bless him. Look up verse 3 of chapter 32: Jacob had a lot! He was so blessed with many things. I think that he was tired of “blessing” himself. It must have left him empty. He submitted to God and wanted God to bless him for a change (literally). God did by giving him a new name. A name that would remind everyone that” God rules”!
Surrendering to God means that we are allowing Him to rule. It’s accepting that God leads our existence and helps us find our way.
I had read the story behind one of the hymns we sometimes sing at the House of Prayer. I went to wikipedia to confirm it:)
George Beverly Shea was a renowned singing evangelist best known to have been-years ago- a member of Billy Graham’s ministry team. The words of “I’d rather have Jesus” were written by Rhea Miller. His mother was concerned about Mr. Shea’s direction toward distracting fame and fortune. She handwrote the poem and left the copy on the piano where she knew Mr. Shea would find it. Of course, he did and he was touched by its message. He put the words into music. Soon after that, he changed the direction of his life and decicated his life and talent to God. Here is the last stanza:
He’s fairer than lilies of rarest bloom;
He’s sweeter than honey from out of the comb;
He’s all that my hungering spirit needs,
I’d rather have Jesus and let Him lead.
When we choose to ask God to bless us, we are asking Him to take the lead. We don’t come to God because we are changed. We simply come forward because of our hungering for more, and leave the miracle up to Him. God rules.
-Pastor Sabine
