(Further reflections on “Confession”—Sunday 4-Dec-2022)
Prayer, praise, and confession are the uncomfortable three. Well, they are even boring or scary to do for many Christ’s followers. Yet these are exactly what we are instructed to live out in our life (cf. James 5:13-18). And the outcome is promising—healing and fruitfulness.
We are prone to pray only when we face problems and well, to be fair, when we ran out of options. When we are happy, we tend to (subconsciously) credit it our ability instead of acknowledging and praising the Lord. When we sin, covering up tends to be the first and natural choice. We all were naturally born sinners so we comfortably sin.
Jesus went through suffering like any human living on earth. Well, even more. He demonstrated his prayerfulness throughout his life on earth. Probably, His prayer was intense at the Garden of Gethsemane (cf. Matthew 26:36) as he was about to face betrayal, mockery, false accusations of Jewish/religious court, and ridiculous verdict from the Roman court. He was tried and killed by the political and religious power-play of two court systems. But it did not surprise God. His plan triumphed. Jesus prayed. Jesus was full of joy through the Holy Spirit and praised God the Father (cf. Luke 10:21) after hearing the 72 disciples’ report (cf. Luke 10:17). Doing the works that Jesus called us to do will, for sure will make us face persecution, but we will also be filled with joy. Cheerfulness leads us to praise the Lord our God. Jesus prayed for the sick and they got healed according to their faith in Him. The disciples of Jesus are called to do the same with the exception that not everyone we prayed for will receive healing from their sickness because it will be up to Jesus and His timing. But this doesn’t stop us or make us discouraged from praying for the sick.
Jesus confessed that it was very difficult to submit to the Father’s will unto death (cf. Matthew 26:38-39). He prayed out loud while the disciples were dozing off. Confession was never fun. It has always been painful and not natural to do. Yet Jesus did. So should we.
Jesus prayed when facing suffering. He praised when he was joyful. He confessed and prayed when he struggled with his humanity side. He wanted the disciples to be praying with and for him, but said they didn’t know better. But we should now know it better that we are called to confess our sins to one another (practically to spiritual/godly people) and pray for one another.
Jesus is even now praying for us. So we should be persistent in our prayers for one another. Praying is our persistent work. Healing and fruitfulness are God’s faithful work so none of us can boast about our prayers. However, His word clearly stated that the prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is effective- it works. (cf. James 5:16). And who are the righteous? Those who are justified by faith in Jesus will be considered righteous. And the righteous shall live by _____! (Cf. Romans 1:17; Galatians 3:11). Now what? Understand that suffering is a result of the Fall of the first man, Adam, at the Garden of Eden (cf. Genesis 3). The last man, Jesus, at the Garden of Gethsemane (cf. Matthew 26:36) went through suffering by surrendering His will and submitting to the Father’s will. He did what Adam failed to do. His birth, life, death, and resurrection redeemed us; and His ascension and endowment of the Holy Spirit keep empowering us; and His promise of coming back gives us hope to persevere in trials/suffering of all kinds, so that we are able to consider it all pure joy (cf. James 1:2).
May we make the uncomfortable three comfortable in the One who hears and answers our prayers; who is pleased with our praises; empathizes with our confessions; and heals our (emotional/physical/spiritual) wounds/sickness. Amen.
—
Pastor Lap
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