Welcome to The Turnaround’s 52 Days of Prayer!
Introduction
Welcome to day 10 of our 52 days of prayer. In today’s passage, we encounter Jesus describing to the disciples of John all of the amazing things taking place across Israel and how lives are being forever transformed. At the same time, he also denounces the cities where he had performed mighty works, yet they refused to repent.
Insight
How Jesus started this declaration is quite striking… “I thank you, Father…” He intentionally brings us into the key to frame the mindset to grasp His Kingdom fully. Jesus loves and is loved by The Father. The Son of God is not only dependent upon but also fully trusting in His Father. He does not measure what’s happening around Him by mere human logic but recognizes that God’s design is unique and eternal.
It is fitting that the Lord points out how the citizens of Capernaum and other towns missed out on the truth and revelation that a handful of simple fishermen could grasp. To explain this paradox, we must look at the character and conduct of the “wise and understanding” as they engaged with Christ! They were self-reliant, they were dangerously prideful, and they were not like a child.
This scene nearly repeats itself 12 chapters later as Jesus is lamenting over how Jerusalem missed its visitation and failed to recognize the Messiah who came to her longing “to gather your children together as a hen protects her chicks beneath her wings, but you wouldn’t let me.” He was near, He was willing, and He was able! But the people at the time were so self-absorbed in their notion of how things should happen that they missed their chance for a divine turnaround!
Turnaround Question
Have we become hesitant to recognize God’s hand at work amidst the turmoil in our nation? Could it be possible that we are struggling to have Faith as we seek His face? How can we open our hearts to God to increase our faith as He reveals Himself to us?
Prayer
Thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for welcoming us as your children. We recognize that your ways and your thoughts are higher and better than our ways and our thoughts. As we consider the state of our nation and the state of the world, we trust you! We will joyfully embrace your plans and purposes and affirm our faith in you! Jesus, just like that father in Mark 9 said to you as you healed his son, “Lord, we believe, help our unbelief!”
We pray in your precious, powerful, and perfect name, amen!
