April 21, 2022
I am always shocked when I see another perspective of a familiar story ( smh, why am I shocked? I need to stop being surprised at being surprised).
I’m not a great study theologian. At times when I study, Yahweh reveals something new to me. Other times he uses others to do so. Today was one of those days when he used someone else to reveal something to me.
Luke 11:5 – 8 – Jesus said to his disciples, “Suppose one of you has a friend. Suppose you go to him at midnight and say, ‘Friend, let me borrow three loaves of bread. A friend of mine on a trip has dropped in on me, and I don’t have anything to serve him.’ Your friend might answer you from inside his house, ‘Don’t bother me! The door is already locked, and my children are in bed. I can’t get up to give you anything.’ I can guarantee that although he doesn’t want to get up to give you anything, he will get up and give you whatever you need because he is your friend and because you were so bold.
CONFESSION: I never liked this parable. Because it showed me a God who did not want to help, who was with his children and wanted nothing really to do with me. And that I had to beg him to give me the time of day. That “although he doesn’t want to” part? That part. It had just reinforced to me that the only way Yahweh would do anything for me is grudgingly or maybe he doesn’t want to look bad.
But today, this parable took on a whole new meaning. Why am I drawn to this perspective? Because I have learnt that Yahweh is a good father who loves his children and delights in them. And since scripture doesn’t contradict itself, to me it must mean something else too.
The Friend: He is outside seeking something from the father. He isn’t asking to come into the house. He isn’t asking to join the household. He just wants something (and then would most likely be gone).
The Man of the House: He has what is needed and after considering that this neighbour is serious, he gets out of his bed – his bed that has his children safely tucked away to give the neighbour what you needed. Bread.
The Bread (of Life): not much else to say here.
The Children: Who is tucked safely away in the house, in bed. In the house with bread, cuddled up to their dad.
So what’s wrong with the previous image of a God who grudgingly gives what the neighbour asks for? That’s not how God treats his children. Time and time again, scripture says before we ask, he hears and answers. He hears the prayers of those who love him, but he doesn’t hear the prayers of those who hold iniquity in their hearts (John 9:31).
Someone who is not in the household.
Someone who is not his child would need to be persistent and bold.
Weirdly enough, the Greek word “anaideia” translated here as bold, means shamelessness/shameless persistence. The one not of the household, an unbeliever had to be persistent. They had to “clear the heart” so that he would hear. His children? Those who believe? They’re inside. Filled, safe.
And when they ask for anything he gives it to them – because they are his children. They are of his household (of course if they ask for something bad for them unknowingly, he doesn’t give it to them). But in the end he says:
Luke 11:13 – If you then being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?
Two things of note: He said to them that (to those that). The Greek word used “ho” or “hé” is a word used to make a partition or distribute into parts. Them and those are not a part of his household, but if they ask, he will give them more than what they ask for. They may be making a physical request, but he will give them the Holy Spirit. And then they can join the household where there is no lack.
And then there’s this story (I don’t always like using the word story because it might come across as fiction), that just truly makes me believe or rather reinforce my (new found) belief.
Matthew 15:22-28 – A Canaanite woman from that territory came to him and began to shout, “Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David! My daughter is tormented by a demon.” But he did not answer her at all. Then his disciples came to him and urged him, “Send her away. She keeps shouting behind us.” Jesus responded, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the nation of Israel.” She came to him, bowed down, and said, “Lord, help me!” Jesus replied, “It’s not right to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.” She said, “You’re right, Lord. But even the dogs eat scraps that fall from their masters’ tables.” Then Jesus answered her, “Woman, you have strong faith! What you wanted will be done for you.” At that moment her daughter was cured.
This woman was shamelessly persistent, the way the neighbour was. Jesus was initially resistant to assisting, but she persisted. Jesus said it is not right to take the children’s bread…not right to take what is for those in his household and give it away. But she persisted and she received it. Not much is known of her after – but she only had one request just like the man in the parable. One request that they were both persistent in asking.
The children’s portion was safe, but there was also enough to share.
There is one notable difference though. The disciples: who wanted a woman to leave. Jesus said that responce to her request, but the disciples actively decided that she was disturbing them and that she should be sent away.
Sadly, that reminds me too much of how our Christian family can treat those who are not yet of our belief. We want to chase them. But while she had to persist, Jesus did not chase her away.
Everyday I am amazed by the goodness of Yahweh. Thank you for showing me an inspiring perspective of you that for the first time makes me appreciate both stories. (Sorry Yahweh, I did not like the story of the woman either before). But I am thankful today for a deeper understanding of who you are and how you relate to people. Thank you for not being a father that gives grudgingly after we beg and plead. Thank you for being a father, for taking me into your household as your child. Thank you. I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of saying thank you. You deserve all the praise I have to offer.
TODAY’S THANKFUL TALLY
- You are a good, good, good father.
- You showing me a better perspective of you.
- Signing up for Instagram (No lie, the awesomeness of you just made me forget for a hot minute about your courage to sign up). Thank you!