UNIQUE ANSWERS TO PRAYER
Psalm 3, Acts 12:5 & 12, II Cor. 12:8–10
Although we are assured of the fact that our prayers will be answered by the God to Whom we pray, the answers He gives are not always those we expect. While the answers are at times exactly what we had expected, at other times His answers are quite different. These things may not be overlooked because, when doing so, many have suffered grave spiritual injury. One may easily conclude that our prayers have not been answered even though God has answered them clearly.
David’s Requested Deliverance
Psalm 3 does not belong to the list of the well-known Psalms. But, the whole Bible speaks to us and we are often able to learn a great deal from those parts which are not familia r to us. Psalm 3 was written when David was fleeing before his own son, Absalom. This was one of the most difficult times in the life of this saint of God. His own son rose up against him! He began to complain in this Psalm that the adversaries were many. This is surprising because David was very popular and “had stolen the heart of all Israel.” But, it again revealed to him that we could not depend on man. These adversaries taunted him by saying that there was no help for him in God. It seemed as though they might be right. Had God forsaken him? His faith was indeed put to the test. He also knew that his own sins had made him deserve all the punishment which came.
Despite the taunts of his adversaries, David still had confidence in his God. God was a shield about him. He was safe. God was his glory. He cried to Jehovah in the midst of all his troubles. Of course! Where else could be turn? The Lord would answer him. He was so confident of the Lord’s protection that he said he would lie down to sleep and rest. Surely, he didn’t have to be afraid. Faith had no fear. What a wonderful peace of heart and soul was his when he again placed his full confidence in his God.
The request he made to his God according to the need of the hour. He cried out: Save me, oh God. The dangers were real. He asked that God would do the same to his present enemies as He had done to former ones. “Smite them, Lord. Hurt them, slay them. Make them helpless.” If God did these things for him, his throne would again be secure and he would be able to lead God’s people as in the past.
God heard his prayer and did according to all that David had asked of Him. That was the difficulty! If all his enemies were to be slain, if they were to be hurt and made helpless, Absalom would be among them! That was not David’s wish! No, he had commanded his generals to deal kindly and gently with his own boy because he loved him. Now he had prayed for deliverance, and that meant the death of his own son. His prayer was answered but David had not counted the cost of this prayer.
Everywhere the Scriptures teach us that prayer is not cheap. When our Lord instructs His people to pray: Thy Kingdom come, it means that their own little kingdom will have no place and that they will have to sacrifice everything for the coming of His Kingdom! Men must reckon with the effects of their prayers—and then pray earnestly. David had not thought of the answer to his prayer bringing him the greatest sorrow in his life. Yet, he prayed properly! This son was a rebel. He had not only defied his father but also the God of Israel.
Incidents of unique answers to prayer are many. However, I will limit myself to the naming of only two more.
Peter’s Release
In Acts 12 we read of the great difficulties which began to come on the church of the New Testament. There was an attempt by secular leaders to put a stop to the spread of Christianity. Herod, a grandson of Herod the great, had seized the Apostle James, the brother of John, and had killed him. He had to be somewhat careful because the populace was fickle and it was difficult to say whether this kind of action would win approval. In line with all the Herods, he wished to have approval of the people above all. When he saw that this action against the Apostle James met with the approval of the majority of the people, he went to the top end arrested the leader of the Apostles, Peter. The time was not convenient, but later he would bring him out to the people and pass sentence on him.
When Peter was arrested the church had come together to pray. It was not necessary to state the purpose of their prayers because obviously they had come together to pray for Peter‘s release. There was a real danger that if Peter should also be put to death, the church would be wasted.
Peter was guarded as though he were a hardened criminal. There were irons on his arms tying him to the arms of the soldiers on each side of him. There were two more guards at the gate and then a heavy iron gate. This prisoner must not escape. He endangered the rule of Herod and his accomplices, the Pharisees. Despite the fact that he was so heavily guarded and that he would be sentenced the next day, Peter fell sound asleep! Here we find a man so at peace with his God that his imprisonment did not keep him awake (Psalm 4:8).
An angel came and awakened Peter without disturbing the guards. He led him out of the prison and now, finally, Peter began to realize that he was not dreaming but that he was actually free. He at once went to the home of the mother of John Mark because he knew this was the place where the people of God would be gathered.
Now followed a strange scene. They were still in prayer (vs. 12). There was a knock at the gate. The slave girl, Rhoda, recognized Peter’s voice, but didn’t open the gate! She went to the rest and interrupted their prayers to tell them that Pete was standing at the gate, and they didn’t believe it! What they had prayed for so long and so earnestly had come to pass—but, surely, it couldn’t be true! They suggested that Rhoda was out of her mind. They speculated whether it might be his angel(!) Finally they went to the gate and admitted the Apostle!
How could people be so unbelieving? Did they have no confidence in their God when they prayed to Him? Often they didn’t. Then why pray? Even the hearing of Peter’s voice did not convince them. He had to come into the house so that they could really see him before they would believe. They were no better than Thomas: “Unless I place my fingers in the nail wounds and unless I lay my hand in the wound in His side, I will not believe!” We are to pray confidently because God is not only able and willing to hear us, but He will do even far more than we could ever ask or think (Eph. 3:20). Let His people never think lightly of the power of prayer! By this episode, no doubt, the people were strengthened in their faith and could now return to their place of meeting and give thanks for all that God had done.
When the Answer is “No!”
In II Corinthians 12 the Apostle Paul gives us an insight into some of the difficulties under which he labored. He had been given a tremendous task to do. He had to bring the gospel of Jesus Christ to the heathen nations. This would demand all of his strength. But, He was handicapped by what he called “a thorn in the flesh.” Many have speculated about the nature of this “thorn,” but, that’s what it remains speculation. He did not tell us what it was. However, it was a very troublesome thing which made his life far more difficult. He even called it a “buffeting of Satan.” How could he carry out the assignment his Lord has given him with this thorn in his side? He prayed, “Lord take it away.”
His prayers had often been dramatically answered. Opening was given him for the preaching of the word where none seemed to exist. He lived by prayer. He counseled others to “pray without ceasing” and, no doubt, followed this maxim himself.
However, even though he prayed three times that this thorn might be removed , it was not. God was not unable to remove it. This thorn was left to safeguard him from pride. He must never come to the conclusion that he had been able to do all this work in his own strength. God must have the preeminent place! Therefore, he must not talk about the removal of this thorn again.
Instead of removing the thorn the Lord assured him that His grace would be sufficient for him. What an answer! He meant grace in the very broadest sense of the word as the reception of that which was not merited. That grace of God would overcome all the difficulties caused by this thorn in the flesh. His strength would be made perfect in weakness! The instrument which He would use for the conversion of the heathen, Paul, must never get in the way. The instrument must have a secondary place so that the power of God would be praised (2 Cor. 4:7).
Many would have concluded that, under the circumstances under which Paul labored, they would rather have had the thorn taken away than receive a sufficiency of grace! Paul did not come to this conclusion . First he thought that that thorn had to be removed for him to do the work to which he was called, but now, when he received the fulness of grace he was satisfied. He did not mention that thorn again. God had provided a better answer for him than the direct answer to his prayer would have been. He needed that sufficiency of grace much more than the riddance of this thorn. And, indeed, God’s grace was sufficient! Paul hereby learned to evaluate life in a different way than he did before.
When it became evident to him that this was the final answer of God he said that he was able to glory in his infirmities! What a statement! Glory in one’s own weaknesses? Christ’s power would cover him as a tent and he would be able and willing to spend himself completely for that Savior!
How rich is the grace of God! Although we may be convinced that certain things must be given us or removed from us, what more is necessary than the grace of God? These are unique answers—but they teach us a great deal.
Questions for discussion:
1. Psalm 3 is not well known. What does the study of this Psalm reveal to you about the riches of God’s word? Is it a good practice to read the familiar passages of Scripture again and again and neglect the other? 2. Do you think that God’s grace was also sufficient for David when he prayed for the defeat of his enemies and as a result lost his son? 3. Why are we surprised when our prayers are heard and answered? May we pray for the seemingly impossible? Did the early church do this? 4. How could Peter sleep when his circumstances were so desperate? Did he know he would be released? Cf. Daniel 3:17–18. 5. Paul certainly needed all his strength to carry out his task. Did Paul ever convert anyone? Do the evangelists today convert anyone? Who converts? 6. Do you think the promise of sufficient grace would be interpreted by many as a disappointing answer to a specific prayer?
Lesson 8
UNIQUE PRA YERS
Exodus 32:32, 33:12–16 I Kings 19:4, Jeremiah 12:1–4
There are unique and unexpected answers to the prayers of God’s people and there are also “unique” or strange prayers uttered by the people of God. This is an important topic because all our prayers are not well structured and often contain strange requests. It is well for us to note that the Bible writers struggled with the same problems as we do. They often prayed in a way that amazes us. How could God pay attention to such a prayer? He did and He does. We give only a sampling of the many strange prayers which former saints have uttered. There are many more and someone else might have made a different choice, but these will show, we trust, the difficulties we often encounter when we pray. Don’t we sometimes pray for things for which we should not pray?
A Prayer to Be Lost for Others
In the first Bible passage noted above we receive a glimpse into the heart of the mediator of the Old Testament, Moses. He was a great leader and a safe guide to the Israelites during all the years of wandering from Egyptian bondage to their rest in the promised land. His was a tremendously difficult task. He was placed over and had to lead an unappreciative and rebellious people. Not surprisingly, he, at times, lost patience with them, as at the time when he struck the rock instead of speaking to it. Israel had sinned deeply. Moses had gone to the top of Sinai to receive one of the most important revelations contained in the Bible, the law of God. While he was on the mountain the people encouraged Aaron to make a golden calf! They wanted a god which they would be able to see. Moses must immediately return to the people to correct them. What a vast disappointment! These people had seen great wonders done by their God, but they rebelled. They were now threatened by severe punishment.
Moses now revealed his deep love for these people. The men of Levi had been commissioned to go through the camp ofIsrael and kill those who were guilty, and three thousand people were slain. Now Moses addressed God and pleaded for His forgiveness. And, if He would not forgive them “then blot my name out of Thy book,” said Moses. He would sacrifice his own salvation for the salvation of the people of God. So dear they were to him. This is, of course, an impossible request. God notified him at once that the one who sinned would pay for his sins. Neither Moses nor any other man can pay for the sins of others. Only One could do that—Jesus Christ.
We find almost a repeat of this sentiment of Moses in Romans 9:3. Paul is there speaking about the Jews, his kinsmen. These have first received the revelation of God but they have not followed Jesus Christ. If they do not repent, they will be lost. He says that he could wish himself to be accursed of Christ rather than to see all of his people lost. Again, this is impossible. Paul cannot give his life for others, any more than Moses could. But, what love he showed for his people! What a pastoral heart he had! It is almost impossible to imagine someone offering this kind of prayer!—to be eternally lost for the sake of others!
Prayer for God’s Presence
In the second passage noted at the head of this lesson we still deal with the aftermath of that which was contained in the first passage. The Israelites could not remain in this place. They must go on toward the Promised Land. God had said, in answer to the prayer of Moses, that he would send His angel to lead them (32:34). This was already a great benefit for both Israel and Moses. This angel, whom God would send, wou d not lead them astray but would guide them on the road they had never travelled before. But, even though it was a great benefit, it was not the same as the earlier guidance when God Himself led them.
It is not enough for Moses to know that the angel of God will go before them. “No,” he says, “if Thou Lord dost not go with us then let us stay right here.” “I don’t care to take one step toward the Promised Land if God does not go with us and before us. It is also the only way I know,” says Moses, “that I have found favor in Thy sight.” Better to stay here in the wilderness of Sinai with God, then to enter the promised land with only an angel as guide. IfGod will go before them, the promises which He has made to His people will be kept. Moses is bold in his request. Too bold? No, God hears him in this also. God Himself will go before the people. Thus they will come to the land which had been promised them. It is a sign that the people have been forgiven. Moses does not give up easily. He must have the assurance of Jehovah’s presence in all the wilderness wanderings.
Praying to Die
In the third passage noted is a different kind of prayer, Elijah, the hero of Carmel, is now asking for death. Why this sudden change? At the top of Carmel he stood fearlessly against all the prophets and priests of Baal and called Israel back to the living God. However, the death of the Baal’s servants so displeased queen Jezebel that she sent word to Elijah that his life would be taken soon.
It is a strange episode! Elijah flees for his life and then asks God to take his life away! Is it his desire that God take his life rather than the wicked queen of Israel? No, he is plainly weary of life. He is filled with self-pity. “The children ofIsrael have forsaken Thy covenant, broken down thine altars, and I am the only one who is left that fears the Lord and now they are seeking to take away my life too.” It is sad when an individual comes to the conclusion that he is the only one left who really serves the Lord. The Lord therefore also makes it clear to him a little later that the number of those who are still serving the Lord, though not many, still runs into thousands!
But, Elijah wishes to die. Not by his own hand—perish the thought, but also not at the hand of Jezebel. Let the Lord take his life. He then adds a very peculiar reason for it. He says, I am no better than my fathers. There is in.deed difference of opinion as to the exact meaning of these words. It seems to me that he is here simply appealing to the fact that even his fathers would not have been able to stand all the abuse which has been heaped on him. He is not made of steel! There is a limit as to what a man is able to endure! Lord, it is enough. I have done my best. Nothing works! Everything is lost! Take away my life!
Elijah was a hero of faith but he does not show his heroic character in this prayer. The prayer reveals to us the weakness of even the strongest. At the top of Carmel he feared nothing and nobody. Now he is afraid of everything. How are the mighty fallen.
Besides, Elijah may not pray this kind of a prayer. The time of his departure from this life will be determined by his God, and it is in good hands. Elijah feels: what’s the use. God gives him another huge assignment in the same chapter in which he had prayed that his life might be taken away. Elijah’s work is not finished.
An Impatient Prayer
The last passage noted gives us another prayer of a true child of God which is quite different from those already treated. Jeremiah lived during the closing days of the kingdom of Judah’s freedom. It was his task to bring the news to the kings and the other leaders that Judah would surely go into captivity. He was not well–suited for the bringing of this kind of message. He was very sensitive—easily hurt.
God had made him that way! And, even though He had made him that way, He gave him a message of doom for the people of his day. As a result, Jeremiah suffered greatly. He simply could not understand the ways of God. He saw the wicked flourishing while the people of God were so rely tried. This same theme is found in Psalm 73 and in the book of Job. Why must the righteous suffer while the ungodly prosper? Jeremiah could understand this no better than the author of Psalm 73 or Job.
Jeremiah attacks the problem differently from either Asaph or Job. He begins with the thesis: Thou art righteous! He should keep that in mind. God is not unrighteous when He deals with people in the way that He does. Jeremiah will soon lose sight of this statement, however, when he continues.
Even though God is righteous, Jeremiah would like to “debate” with Him about the way the righteous and unrighteous are treated in this life. God is responsible for the unrighteous people too. He has planted them. As a result, they grow and bear fruit , but it is not the kind of fruit one would desire. They may speak of God with their mouths but surely their hearts are far removed from Him.
In contrast, look at Jeremiah, “Thou knowest me. Thou seest me and triest my heart toward Thee.” When God looks on Jeremiah He will find an Israelite in whom is no guile! Why then must he suffer while the wicked flourish?
Jeremiah would like to give the Lord some advice. This is always a very dangerous procedure! We are not His counselors. But, if the Lord would only follow the advice of Jeremiah the whole problem would be solved! Pull them out like sheep for the slaughter and prepare them for the day of slaughter! Make sacrificial animals out of them! Then the land will no longer have to mourn, the herbs will not wither and the beasts will not be consumed. Everything will be better. It is such a simple solution. Strange that the Lord had not thought of that!!!
The prophet Jeremiah is treading on very dangerous ground when he utters this very strange prayer. Does he know better than God? One doesn’t like to put it that way, but, really, we often think ourselves wiser and more loving than God! This is dangerous. He started off in the right direction: “Thou art righteous, O Lord.” Let him hold on to that! Even though he doesn’t understand the ways of his God, He is righteous!
These prayers also belong to the Scriptures. They are not included in the prayers which we usually study for our spiritual benefit. Yet, they have much to teach us. The prayer remains on the lips of every child of God past, present and future: Lord teach us to pray!
Questions for discussion:
1. Can you conceive of anyone being willing to die eternally for the sake of others? What is the difference between such a prayer and David’s wish that he might have died instead of Absalom? 2. Why wasn’t the leading of an angel sufficient for Moses? Wouldn’t this kind of leading have had the same results as the leading of Jehovah Himself? 3. How can Elijah stand on the mountain peak of faith at one moment and soon thereafter be despondent? Is such a change common among God’s people? 4. Why does God allow the wicked to prosper? Is there an answer to be found in the Scriptures? Why is this theme often struck in the Bible? 5. What does it say to you that God even listens to and answers such prayers as have been treated in this lesson?