“I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will” (Matt. 11:25-26 ESV).
Matthew 11 finds Jesus in what could be one of the most discouraging seasons of his life. First, John the Baptist, one of Jesus’ most trusted partners, appears to doubt: “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?” (Matt. 11:4 ESV). Second, the crowds, who have been so enthusiastic, now appear disappointed with Jesus: “We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn (Matt. 11:17 ESV).” Third, entire cities in which Jesus has done “most of his mighty works” still appear to be places of spiritual desolation (Matt.11:20) .
I would have responded to this with complaint. Jesus responds with confidence. Through prayer, Jesus remembers who God is. God is still “Lord of heaven and earth.” God is still in charge, in spite of recent events. And through prayer, Jesus remembers what God is doing. God is “hiding” and “revealing.” That is, God is still at work, in spite of recent events.
Take a moment to think of a circumstance in your life which has filled you with disappointment. Things haven’t worked out as you wished. Now pray to God as “Lord of heaven and earth” and confess that He’s still in charge of that circumstance. And, confess in prayer that God’s still working in that situation, despite all appearances.
As you consider people in our community filled with doubt, people in the city wrestling with disappointments, and places of spiritual desolation around the world, pray to God as “Lord of heaven and earth,” and ask him to be at work through Highland to do something about this.
