Here’s my vote for “Craziest Guy” in the Bible/Old Testament Division.
Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz, “Ask for a sign of the Lord your God; let it be as deep as Sheol or high as the heavens.” But Ahaz said, “I will not ask, and I will not put the Lord to the test.” Isaiah 7:10-12
Really Ahaz? REALLY? God says you can ask for anything and you refuse? Even Isaiah was nonplussed, saying “You weary my God…” Some biblical scholars call Ahaz’s answer a great example of false humility. But all I can think of is Barney Fife’s description of Ernest T. Bass on the Andy Griffith Show. “He’s a nut!”
Let’s compare Ahaz to other biblical characters who came face to face with God.
King David was chosen by God to lead the Israelites. He was enormously successful because of his faith, and because of his powerful prayers. “Defend me, take up my cause against people who have no pity…rescue me, God.” (Ps. 43:1) God stood by him while he conquered his enemies.
When Jesus was out walking on the road, two blind men called out “Have mercy on us, Son of David.” And they were cured. (Matt. 9:27)
Remember the ten lepers? Again, Jesus was walking by and they cried “Jesus, Master, have pity on us.” They were instructed to show themselves to the priests. On the way, they were healed. (Luke 17)
It’s very clear to me that God wants us to ask. He is ready for us to call out, cry out, or whisper softly our hearts desire. If only we’d ask.
Can you imagine the scene if the lepers acted like Ahaz? The Lord walks by, and the ten call to him. Jesus stops and asks “What do you want of me?” The lepers suddenly find the dirt on the ground fascinating, while exchanging furtive glances between them. Finally, one speaks up: “Well…uh…never mind Jesus. We’re fine. Go ahead on your way.”
When Our Father speaks to Ahaz saying, “Tell me what you want,” it’s not a trap. He’s not asking so he can turn away and ignore the request. He really wants to know.
When Jesus walked the earth, he responded to the requests he heard for healing. He cured the sick, and raised the dead. But he always waited to be asked. Even if the situation was obvious, he wouldn’t act without clarifying the intention of the person who needed his touch. Jesus didn’t intrude into anyone’s life. He waited humbly. And he is the same today as he was yesterday. He doesn’t intrude into our lives either. He wants to be invited. He wants to be asked.
“Ask and it will be given to you…” Matt. 7:7
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“Because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice.” Parable of the Persistent Widow Luke 18
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“I rise before dawn and cry for help” Psalm 119
Let’s not weary God by refusing to come to him and pour out our needs. He wouldn’t ask unless he wanted to know. He’s waiting with open ears and an open heart. What’s your heart’s desire?
Surrounded by the Spirit on Facebook
I never thought about Ahab’s answer in this light, Ceil. Thanks for the new insight. You are right–God is our loving Father and wants us to come to him and ask for what we need.
Hi Pam! It’s a wonderful thing to know that God really wants to hear us. About everything! Sometimes I think I shouldn’t be ‘bothering’ him, that he knows already, that he’s too busy…
But that’s human thinking. He LOVES to hear from us, and invites it every day.
Nice to see you this morning! Have a good day
Ceil
Pam’s thoughts are mine as well. I like how you discuss his reaction, especially the lepers saying never mind
Thank you Patty! (and thank you Pam too). Just imagine having so much need, and not being able to ask for help…
I hope I’ll always be able to share my thoughts and desires with the Lord.
Have a blessed Thursday my friend!
Ceil
thanks, Ceil, for this lovely benediction to a very long day! how grateful I am that the Lover of our souls just can’t wait til we come to Him just as we are and pour out the deepest needs of our hearts.
but He already knows, doesn’t He … I’m guessing He just loves these honest heart-to-heart conversations with His beloved children.
Hi Linda! It’s overwhelming to think how much we are loved and cherished by our God. Like a perfect parent he invites and waits for us to come and talk…ask, wonder, praise…he wants it all.
We love that from our children too, right? Being a parent never gets old!
Have a blessed day my friend,
Ceil
Excellent point Ceil! I wonder sometimes how much I have missed of God’s blessings because I failed to ask. I’m not talking about the “name it/claim it” garbage but just missing out on all He has because I thought I might be bugging Him or my request is so small.
Hi Bill! I think I have missed out on a lot. I mentioned to Pam just the same thoughts that you have. I think my human tendencies that tell me “stop being a pest” tend to take over sometimes.
Good thing that God won’t ever leave. He just waits for me to be ready to talk again. What patience!
Thanks for your visit! Good to see you,
Ceil
WOW…Ceil! Thank you, what a word! I love the boldness, it has inspired my faith! God is so gracious to us, His children. Yes, God is not double standard like us, He truly means what He says in His word. Oh, I’ve truly been blessed reading your post this morning and it has put some wind in my sail for the day
May you be replenished and refreshed as well my friend!
Have a wonderful day
Hi Shade! I really appreciate your comment, because I think you are the queen of encouragement!
Interesting point about ‘double standard’. I wonder if that’s explains the feeling that I don’t want to pester God with all my problems? But he is ever the same; yesterday, today and tomorrow. Complete love.
Happy sailing my friend
Ceil
“The lepers suddenly find the dirt on the ground fascinating, while exchanging furtive glances between them.” I like your sense of humor. I wish I’d written that!
It’s true that we should ask God for help and favors. Jesus teaches so in the Lord’s Prayer.
I wonder: If people were able to ask God directly a QUESTION, (not a favor or request), what would they ask?
God bless.
Hi Victor! That’s a really good question (no pun intended!) and I think it’s the seed of a blogpost, don’t you? I can’t imagine all the different answers…
Good reference with the Lord’s Prayer. Loved that. And Jesus taught us how to pray, so he is leading us to ask his Father to help us in everything. Nice!
Thank you for your always kind words Victor. Have a great Thursday!
Ceil
Best one yet! Thanks for sharing with us
Hi Scott! What a nice surprise to see your name pop up in the comments this morning! Thank you for your kind words, what an encouraging son-in-law you are
Hope you have a great Thursday!
Ceil
Wowzers, what a post, Ceil! Your post couldn’t have been more perfectly timed – it’s JUST what I needed
Bless you, my friend, Enjoy your day!
Hi Stephanie! I am so happy that this post was a good read for you, and that you could use it. Wowzers is right! i love it when the Spirit works that way
Thanks for letting me know. Hope you had a great day!
Ceil
Dear Ceil
I have a bit of a struggle lately with something that is quite troubling.
I am going straight to the good Lord and ask …
Thanks for your wise words
Be blessed my friend …
Hi Margie! I am so sorry for your trouble right now…I can’t help but think that you are doing the right thing by praying. God wants to hear you and ease your heart.
I hope he will send you the help you need.
Blessings to you, and I will pray for you too.
Ceil
Your post reminds me of a verse in Isaiah 30:18 Therefore the Lord longs to be gracious to you. And therefore He waits on high to have compassion on you. For the Lord is a God of justice: How blessed are all those who long for Him.
Added note, I love your header, makes me long for a puppy. Great post.
Hi Betty! That is a perfect Scripture match to this post Betty, thank you! And thank you too for your kind words.
You are the first to mention the header! It is cute isn’t it? And God shows his glory in all his creation, puppies included
Have a restful night,
Ceil
Uh-oh. When I read your title, I knew I was in trouble.
The word “bold” keeps popping up lately for me. And I am NOT a bold person by nature. But I keep wanting to grow in courage, so I appreciate the Lord’s patience as I learn how. Thanks for sharing these verses too. I actually did rise before dawn today and cried for help. Went with my daughter to a 6 a.m. prayer service, and it was SO worth getting up early for. Thanks for sharing all this, Ceil.
Hi Lisa! I thought I was in trouble when I started reading your comment..phew! It is hard to be bold, isn’t it? It’s not easy to push yourself in front and speak your needs to God.
I think he loved the fact that you rose early in the morning and prayed. And with your daughter too! I would have loved that, I bet you have a wonderful relationship. Best of blessings on your journey to boldness! Is it your word for the year?
Have a restful evening,
Ceil
last night at prayer meeting I was reading various scriptures on prayer. Ask and believe! That is what I kept coming across. So, boy oh boy, did I ask!
Hi Monica! I think there’s a theme going on here for you, don’t you agree? And I’m so glad you responded and asked! And you learned this a lot faster than I did. I could learn a lot from you…
Thank you for your blog-friendship. I appreciate your comment today very much.
Blessings,
Ceil
Come by to catch up, friend. Enjoyed reading your reunion post too. Sounds like a fabulous time was had. I look forward to hearing more stories on 8/23. I’m in!! (If you didn’t get my email). And this post right here has really spoken to me. I must admit Ahaz is not familiar to me but there is still much for me to read in the Bible. This was a great reminder of how He cares and wants us to come to Him. “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” Matthew 7:7
Can’t wait to see you again soon!!!
Blessings. xoxo
Hi Beth! I did get your email, thank you. We are ‘on’ for the 23d for sure. I’ll email you back in a few days, ok?
You may not know Ahaz, but you sure know Matthew. Ask and you shall receive. What else do I need to know? But God knows how fickle I am, and how I need his constant presence and Word. Take a look at Ahaz…it’s pretty interesting!
Looking forward to seeing you too, and hearing about your conference
Ceil
Amen! I would ask for more love, strength and faith. I would ask for a deep joy…And, depending on whatever situation I may be in, at the time, I would ask for help. Oh yeah, I would ask. Much joy and I enjoyed your post!
Hi Cynthia! Thank you for your visit today, it’s so nice to see you!
You sound like a person I can learn from because sometimes I don’t remember to ask. I think I’m the one to solve my own problems. So silly, I know. Thank you for showing me your great faith, and your quick response to prayer. I need to read that
Blessings,
Ceil
This is a great lesson and reminder. He already know we need Him, we just need to be humble enough to know it and cry out in our brokenness… and we’re all broken, whether we know it or not.
Hi Floyd! I think you are on to something here. It probably is an issue of humility. If I think I can do it all myself, I certainly am not putting God first. Sigh. So much work to do!
Always good to see you
Ceil
The greatness of this post is evident when your SIL posts a compliment. Those closest to us are usually NOT generous with praise for some strange reason—a prophet lacks honor in his hometown. The best thing I can offer–this will cause me to think!
Great Job!
Blessings Friend!
Hi Lulu! Oh my gosh Lulu, you are so right. Someone asked if I should ask to speak at my church. I said “No way!” Same reason. Never accepted in your own town. I totally agree with you. (But my SIL is pretty great!)
Thank you for your kind words Lulu. What a compliment that you would think about these words. Blessings!
Have a restful night,
Ceil
Your gift of catching the readers attention and then narrowing the point . . . making the essence clear and serving it – is amazing, Ceil! Thank you for this blessing – a gentle reminder to simply ask God – in the little and big things!
Nina
PS. Your header is So Lovely! We had labrador and she got puppies when I was small … going down the memory lane
Hi Nina! How fun to see here today! Thank you for your visit, and your kind words about the post. Asking is so important, and I often think that ‘God knows everything, he knows what I need.’ Which is true…but he still wants that close relationship in everything. Even our needs.
I’m so happy you commented about the header. How fun that you had these little guys around your house! I’m so glad that I had it up for you to see.
Have a great weekend
Ceil
You are so right, who wouldn’t ask? ha, never thought of these verse that way before. good point.
Reminds me of the story I have read in several forms that when we get to heaven we will find boxes of unopened blessings with our name on it. Waited for us and we never asked…
Hi Jean! I have heard that same story too. Kind of daunting, isn’t it? I keep hoping I don’t have too many of those presents waiting for me…
Good to see you
Have a great weekend,
Ceil
I love your perception, Ceil! You are always so positive—it makes me smile when I read these beautiful posts of yours. You are an inspiration!
Hi Marcia! Thank you for your kind words, I really appreciate them! Isn’t it fun to write things that connect with others? You do that so well, and your writing is getting better and better known too.
I’m so glad that we are connected through our blogs. Thank you for your blog-friendship
Blessings,
Ceil
I love this post. God delights in blessing us, and does so with little tender mercies every day and big miracles when needed. Thank you for encouraging your readers to have and keep the faith!
Hi Deb! I think we both like to blog about our faith, and I thank you for encouraging me too.
God really does enjoy listening and blessing us. He is such a great Father…the best of all. I think I need to become better at seeing all the mercies he gives in only one day of my life. So much I don’t see!
Thank you for your kind words too. You are a great blog-friend
Ceil
“Ask….” I am learning to do just that, but I am a slow learner. Your words encourage me today as I feel quiet and still right now. The words soak in. ~ linda
Hi Linda! How nice to see you here today!
Well, I never said I was a quick learner…I really need grace every day to take advantage of all God’s works, including asking him for what I need. We are all a work in progress, aren’t we?
I hope you really enjoyed your quiet and stillness today. It sounds heavenly. And it was so fun to see your name pop up in the comments!
Blessings.
Ceil
Hi Ceil):)
been awhile
hope your summer has been a good one .
love the sweet puppy banner (:)
hugs,patty
Hi Patty! I was just thinking of you the other day, how are you? I was so happy to see you here today. How’s the weather where you are? I hope your plants are thriving and growing.
Thank you for the comment on the header, I think all those puppies are so cute too.
Hope you’re having a wonderful weekend,
Ceil
My hearts deepest desire — to sit in the warm embrace of the Most High and feel that closeness and safety, even in the busyness of everyday life and the fast pace of being a momma in ministry who is raising three beautiful children. My desire is to feel held, to know Him more and more deeply — to make Him known. Oh….love everywhere. <3
Hi Anne! How good to see you here! I know you are so busy now, it’s such a treat to see your name pop up.
With a desire like that, I know that God will fill it for you. And see his love everywhere too, I think that’s HIS greatest desire.
Hope all is well with you? Have a wonderful night
Ceil
Ceil…Ceil…if I could touch you now. I will give you my big hug. I miss you so much!
Thank you for this beautiful post! I miss reading stories in Bible and questioning things like you and end with new sight. I love that moment when I read Bible…I cant force that moment to come each time I read the Bible but it comes in time so sometimes I have no idea about whys but I keep reading my Bible.
I am now reading Isaiah…so yeah I got what you mean about Azah. Thank you for this!.
He’s beautiful man after God’s own heart in it makes me happy!
I’m sorry for not visiting you often. I only get on computer well on Sunday after church. Thank you for your sweet comments. I got to meet my Sean. God is faithful!
Blessing to you!
Delvalina
Hi Delvalina! I am so honored that you would use your precious internet time to visit me. Thank you!
We are all fortunate to have enough time to visit God in his word. He is everywhere, but in a powerful way in Scripture too. I know what you mean about reading and thinking about what I’ve read. I do love that too.
I’m so glad you had a good visit with Sean. That was a long time in coming. God certainly blessed you
Always a pleasure to see you my friend,
Ceil
Happy Sunday, Ceil!
Great post! I am Bold! Be Bold! Yes, Yes, Yes! This was so for me….
I have been more Bold in my walk with God than ever before. I am not afraid to ask Him of my needs. I am on the road to recovery and I give God all the Glory. The devil is sad and moping because I didn’t give him the satisfaction while I was sick.
What a trial I have been on for months, but I know God has got this and I will regain strength from Him.
Thank you for all your prayers….
Hugs,
Amy
Hi Amy! I am SO HAPPY to hear about your recovery. It was a long, hard road, but you are getting there…what a blessing!!
It was an honor to pray for you, I’m happy I was on your prayer team for recovery. Good for you for keeping that devil away from you. You are a witness to God’s healing. I think you’ll be left alone for a while!
Bless you my friend,
Ceil
Oh how often I forget to ask Him when I’m so focused on my own little world! Thank you for the beautiful reminder, Ceil
xx
Hi Yuko! I’m so glad you liked the post, thank you for your visit!
Have a restful night,
Ceil
You crack me up with this one, but it is true. He does want us to ask and have faith that we will receive things asked in His name and to bring Him glory/further His kingdom. He wants us to be happy disciples, not just under trials all the time.
Hi Kim! I agree that the Lord wants happy disciples, even in trial…which I personally haven’t perfected yet.
Remembering to ask even when I know that God knows all my needs, or thinking that I am ‘bothering him’ is something I struggle with from time to time. But thinking about the lepers letting an opportunity pass really put it all into focus for me.
Have a good Monday!
Ceil
I don’t think I’ve ever had this pointed out…that Ahaz could have asked for anything, but refused. I agree with the statement that it was false humility….which is a form of pride…..which, I’m so guilty of myself!!!
Thanks for such a great reminder, my blogging friend!!!
Hi Deb! Oh, don’t feel like the Lone Ranger on that, I am guilty of false humility too. But I hope I’ll never turn God down if he asks me what I want. If he wants to know, may I always tell him!
Thanks for your visit today Deb
Ceil
Hi Ceil,
I love your line: “it’s not a trap. He’s not asking so he can turn away and ignore the request. He really wants to [hear]… ” and picturing God’s heart here that he wants us to open our hearts and mouths to him. He is a tender kind God, huh?
Nice to be here again,
Jennifer Dougan
Hi Jennifer! He is a tender God, the best of Fathers! I hope I’ll always be willing to talk to him about what I need. He enjoys talking to all of us
Good to see you too. Thanks for dropping by!
Ceil