Desiring the Truth
“Then the disciples came to Jesus privately,
and said, “Why weren’t we able to cast it out?.”
Matthew 17:19
One of the intrinsic marks of a true disciple is their desire to learn. In life, there are many opportunities to be further instructed in the ways of the Lord. Too many of us miss these opportunities and are none the wiser. There are situations that require persistent prayer and diligence; we need greater faith to remain in the battle until we see His answers. (Daniel 10:1-12; Luke 18:1-10).
There are times, as with the disciples in Matthew 17, that we are brought up short. This is where the disciple is differentiated from the adherent for whom unanswered prayer is of little consequence. The true disciple has a need to know. Within his heart is an intense desire for growth and development in the ways of the Lord.
Jesus answered their heartfelt question:
“Because of your unbelief…”
Matthew 17:20
Truth is truth. It is not something the insincere heart really wants to know. Spiritual ignorance is often the result of a willful aversion to truth. The disciples here were impacted by the frank response to their question. Growth in our relationship with Him is characterized by an increasing realization of our need to depend upon Him more. The religious have no fortitude for the actual truth of their condition. Need is the inspiration for spiritual progress in those who follow Him.
The Church OF the Laodiceans had a persuasive culture of being rich and increased with many things. In their ambivalence, they declared “I have need of nothing”, but Jesus declared “knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked”. True discipleship is characterized by those who ask the real questions in life. They are not afraid of the truth for they know that only the truth will make them free. Truth alone gives the divine enablement to make Him known in difficult situations in life. Spiritual ignorance is a refuge for the insincere. When we evade the sharp sword of truth the carnality of our hearts remains unscathed and untouched by the Word which is “sharper than any two-edged sword” (Hebrews 4:12).
“My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline or be weary of his reproof, for the LORD reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights.”
Proverbs 3:11-12
There are many mysteries associated with prayer and communion with God, but to the sincere seekers of truth, its depths are revealed. May we continue our journey into Him with an intensity of desire to be taught of Him to discover the full life which is hidden in Him.
“Thou hast given him his heart’s desire, and hast not withholden the request of his lips. Selah”
Psalm 21:2
“And Samuel grew, and the Lord was with him, and did let none of his words fall to the ground.”
1 Samuel 3:19
Brian Troxel
““My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline or be weary of his reproof, for the LORD reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights.”
Proverbs 3:11-12
THANK YOU, LORD, THANK YOU!!!
Amen!
BT
Amen
Brian, I have relatives and friends I often pray for. It seems the only prayer I can truly ask God for them is for “Desire”.
Where the desire to know truth is not there, to know God, to even search for caring about what is true and right and knowing there is more to life than just breath… and the knowledge that the next generation is eroded even more. I have a friend who says “You can lead a horse to water, you can’t make them drink but you can sure salt their oats.
One good thing about the upheaval in our day is that the many who have not considered their need for God are beginning to be shaken.
I like the salted oats comment. Never heard that one before.
Blessings
BT
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Amen 🙏🏾. Discipleship is something that our modern day churches often don’t focus on as much. It had to happen outside of the four walls at times. In whatever spaces we find people willing to learn the truth of God’s words and having a sincere desire for answers.