ODJ: how can I help you?

January 2, 2016 

READ: Mark 10:43-52 

“What do you want Me to do for you?” Jesus asked (v.51).

Well-known seminary president Haddon Robinson was meeting with a wealthy donor to seek a sizable contribution. (I assume that it was for a ministry project.) When Robinson asked for a specific amount, the donor said something like this: “I was prepared to give you much more if you had asked.”

My husband, Shawn, really likes this story because it reminds him to “come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most” (Hebrews 4:16).

It’s vital for us to bring our requests to God, because He delights to give us good gifts (Matthew 7:11). Are we not His children? If we are, and if there is no active sin occurring in our lives—if we’re not rebelling against Him and His ways—then there’s no reason we cannot be seeking the good gifts He desires to give us. We can freely share our requests with Him, remembering that they should reflect our seeking after His kingdom above all else. Then God in His wisdom will give us what we truly need—not just what we want (6:33).

When blind Bartimaeus heard that Jesus was on the road to Jericho, he began shouting to Jesus and asking Him for mercy (Mark 10:47). He persisted even when the people in the crowd told him to be quiet (v.48). But not Jesus. When He heard the blind beggar, He summoned Bartimaeus and asked, “What do you want me to do for you?” He wanted to help and heal the man who was in great need. What a comfort to us all!

So what are we waiting for? Let’s continue to seek after God and to fulfill our mission within His kingdom, and as we do, let’s bring our requests to Him. He just might be prepared to provide even more than we ask for (Ephesians 3:20).

—Marlena Graves

365-day-plan: Genesis 2:15-3:24

MORE
Read Psalm 84:11 and consider what it reveals about God’s giving heart toward those who follow Him and His ways. 
NEXT
If Jesus were to ask you right now, “What do you want Me to do for you?” what would you say? Why is it vital that we pray “if it is Your will” as we bring our requests to God?