The Pfeifers

December

From My Journal - January 2, 2001
Asking the Father questions and questioning His wisdom and authority are two different things. In Matthew 22 the Pharisees were trying to trap Jesus. It didn't work then, and it won't work now !

What Father Says
"Then the Pharisees went and plotted how they might entangle Him in His talk. And they sent to Him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, "Teacher, we know that You are true, and teach the way of God in truth; nor do You care about anyone, for You do not regard the person of men. Tell us, therefore, what do You think? Is it lawful to pay taxes to Ceasar, or not?" But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, "Why do you test Me, you hypocrites? (Matthew 22:15-18)

For You Today
A loving Father will answer His children's questions all day long. Yet if that child throws a fit because he doesn't hear what he wants to hear, the parent will exercise discipline. Sometimes we act like spoiled children when we don't get what we want from God. At other times we try to manipulate God by quoting His own Word to Him along with interpretations of our own making.
We may greedily desire new cars, new homes, and other material things. But God is sovereign. He knows what is best for each one of His children. We can ask Him questions, but we must not question His authority.
The Pharisees were being manipulative in this passage, but Jesus knew exactly what they were doing. When we pray we need to understand that the Father sees the very intent of our hearts. he will not be manipulated. Let's get real and quit acting like spoiled children by questioning God's authority.