“Be careful NOT TO PERFORM YOUR RIGHTEOUS ACTS before men TO BE SEEN by them. If you do, you will HAVE NO REWARD from your Father in heaven….” Matthew 6: 1 BSB (Emphasis mine)
In the previous edition, we established that the phrase “And FORGIVE US OUR DEBTS (sins),” suggests we ask for forgiveness of sin each time we present our petition or prayer. Whiles, the phrase “AS WE FORGIVE OUR DEBTORS” suggest that; the possibility to receive forgiveness from God, is predicated on our ability to forgive those who sin against us.
Today, we are going to continue from where we left off. Let us continue with the analysis of Matthew 6:9-13.
After this MANNER (pattern /fashion) therefore pray ye: OUR FATHER WHICH ART IN HEAVEN, HALLOWED BE THY NAME. THY KINGDOM COME. THY WILL BE DONE IN EARTH, AS IT IS IN HEAVEN. GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD. And FORGIVE US OUR DEBTS (our sins), AS WE FORGIVE OUR DEBTORS (our offenders). And LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION, BUT DELIVER US FROM EVIL: For THINE IS THE KINGDOM, AND THE POWER, AND THE GLORY, FOREVER. AMEN. Matthew 6:9-13 KJV, (Emphasis & insertion mine).
The phrase “And LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION,” suggests that; we must always seek for DIVINE GUIDANCE in every endeavour of our lives. As long as Satan is on the loose, he will constantly set us up for temptations in order to mal the relationship between us and God. These temptations could be in the form of challenges and attacks both spiritual and physical and other times emotional. These temptations are always around us as part of our existence on earth. Therefore, it expedient to seek for divine guidance in our daily lives each time we pray.
David said in Psalms 119: 105 “Your word is a LAMP TO MY FEET AND A LIGHT TO MY PATH.” This scripture talks about divine guidance. When our paths are illuminated, we will be able to see the various traps or setups that the enemy has placed around us and be able to navigate through them. Sometimes our paths are not lit for us to see but we receive some intrinsic impulses or voices that needs to be followed. Again, he said “… He leads me in the path of righteousness…” (Psalms 23:3). It is not enough to just seek for divine direction but also be willing to follow when given.
The next phrase to consider is “BUT DELIVER US FROM EVIL” which implies to DIVINE HELP. Whenever we miss divine direction, we fall into the traps of the evil one. Therefore, in order to escape from those evil situations, we must seek for God’s deliverance in prayer. Whenever we ask for God’s deliverance from evil, it means that; we acknowledge our weakness and inadequacies and recognizes His strength as the only way out. Let us consider Psalms 124:7-8;
We have ESCAPED LIKE A BIRD FROM THE SNARE OF THE FOWLER; the net is torn, and we have slipped away. OUR HELP IS IN THE NAME OF THE LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.…BSB, Emphasis mine.
Beloved apart from revering God in worship, recognizing His authority, trusting His judgement, asking Him for our needs, asking for forgiveness and forgiving one another; when we fail to seek for His direction and leadings, we will definitely find ourselves in a chaotic situation. But when we do, we should remember to call on Him for help. He will see us through no matter what. Let’s just have confidence in Him. God bless us all.
PRAY WITH ME
Lord Jesus, I thank you this day for my life. From this day forward, I have resolved in my heart to seek for divine direction and divine help each time I approach God in prayer. Holy Spirit, please guide and help me achieve this. This I pray in the precious name of Jesus! Amen!
Author: REV. SOLOMON LUTTERODT