Dear COA family,
Have you ever heard of American Express’ famous advertising slogan “Membership Has Its Privileges”?
So too it is for us as believers in God’s kingdom. We are blessed with divine privileges!
One privilege for us is the assurance of answered prayers as God’s children.
The author of Hebrews writes, “Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings” (Hebrews 10:19-22).
God has provided for us Christ’s blood as atonement for our sins and appointed Christ himself as our high priest to pray for us continually. This is what gives us great confidence to make our petitions known to the Father and have assurance that he hears us. We know that our prayers are not in vain. What a great privilege!
Another privilege is to be able to participate in the discipline of fasting.
In fasting, we join Christ in his fast during his time of testing in the wilderness. Through fasting, we are reminded of our own weaknesses and sins and are at the same time strengthened by God’s power and promises in our lives. We learn that we cannot do anything without his Spirit’s guidance and strength in our lives. Fasting is actually an experience of great renewal of our souls and spirits.
This is why Jesus tells to cheer up when we fast. He says, “But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting” (Matthew 6:17-18). It is not a suffering but a joy and a great privilege to fast.
However, many do not think this way. Many Christians find fasting and praying a chore or a drag and something to be avoided wherever possible. This is why prayer meetings in church are usually the least attended of any meetings. And fasting as a spiritual discipline is the least preached about in churches.
Beloved, let us have the right perspective of things of God. The graces that God has granted to us are not burdens to bear but are gifts and blessings to receive. Through them, we experience the full effects of the power of God in our lives. Let us be transformed in this season of Lent to gladly embrace and practise His good gifts to us!
Revd Ian