I would also stress not only that we pray selfishly, but that we pray within the limitations of our own little perspective of the world. Even Jesus in the Garden, who had all the powers of heaven, chose to resist this temptation to pray selfishly. Does Marshall think that Jesus wanted to go hang on a cross and die a horrible death?
I think what Jesus is saying is that we pray in the context of what benefits the Kingdom of God, since that is the premise upon which we are to base our lives as Christians. After all, we are called to deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow Him.
So if you take these verses out of context of the rest of Scripture, then it's easy to arrive at the conclusion that God is either cruel or powerless. But if you take it in context, then I think we pray with the understanding that our desires ("whatever you ask") should first be for the glorification of God and the furthering of His Kingdom, and second for what brings us comfort, peace, and happiness. While this may not feel pleasant at the time, I know that in the perspective of eternity, God will be honored and His purposes are accomplished. With my limited view, I can't possibly see how my house burning or the loss of a child could further his Kingdom. But it certainly does in one way or another. All I can do is struggle against my own desires to trust and obey.
Your point is well take. The first rule in correctly interpreting the Bible, or any work for that matter, is "Context, Context, Context". A single brush stroke of any masterpiece isolated and viewed only by itself would appear random, absurd, and devoid of artistic meaning. The same is true of the Bible; virtually any verse taken by itself can be confusing, misleading and appear nonsensical.
It might be very helpful for you to read, "Understanding the Gumball Machine" :
http://whywontgodhealamputees.co...com/
gumball.htm
and "Understanding the Bible" :
http://whywontgodhealamputees.co...s.com/
bible.htm
Good post. I took a look at the sight you referenced and found an online book whose sole purpose appears to be disproving God, the Bible, the soul, etc.
One thing I find interesting however. The author has a chapter entitled "When You Die you Die" in which he describes human beings as nothing more than chemical reactions. Funny. If the author really believes that, why does he place such an incredible amount of trust in his own reasoning? If he is just a pile of chemical reactions, how does he know that he is? Sounds like taking your eyeballs out to look at them.
Its interesting to note that Jesus cursed a barren fig tree and thats what brought about his throwing mountains into the sea and asking anything in prayer speech.(Matt 21:19).
Ha! Jackpot!
I love finding awesome new blogs tucked away in the blogosphere. And this one constitutes as "awesome."
Great post - way to throw down! Right on.
Kevin up there too. Good words brother.
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