Expressions

Text: Lk. 7:37-48
More Lessons: Lk.22:44
Bible Reading in one Year: Revelation 13-15

Expression is a look or action that conveys a thought or feeling. One of the things that we must learn as believers is that the way and intensity with which we express our heart, feelings and requests is important to God and to men. Expression plays a role in determining the effect of what you do.

There was a woman that came to give an offering to Jesus. And behold, a woman of the city, who was a sinner, when she learned that he (Jesus) was reclining at table in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster flask of ointment, and standing behind him at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head and kissed his feet and anointed them with the ointment: Lk 7:37-38. This woman touched the heart of the Master not only by the offering she gave but also by the expressions of her adoration to her Saviour. When some people give offering to God they take an executive standing position and drop the offering. King David in the Bible danced and expressed his praise to God so much that the wife who felt too big felt embarrassed. It is unbecoming of you to feel too embarrassed to express yourself to your Creator in worship.

Elijah was another man that added real expression to his prayer to God, And Elijah went up to the top of Mount Carmel. And he bowed himself down on the earth and put his face between his knees: 1 King 18: 42. The man climbed up Mount Carmel, put his head in between his knees and bent over. Must he go that far for God to answer? Some people claim that it is your faith alone that is important in prayer and not the expression. Yes, faith is the key to answered prayer, but you need to add expression to your faith. Elijah was a man of faith but if you see Elijah in the place of prayer on Mount Carmel, you will know that this is a man that is serious about whatever it is that he is asking God for. There is no way God will not answer that man's prayer. Don't be nonchalant or too civilised for God in the place of prayer. Your expressions are important.

Finally let us look at the Lord Jesus Himself. And He withdrew from them about a stone's throw, and knelt down and prayed . . . And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground: Lk 22: 41-44. The expressions of Jesus Christ in the place of prayer were very powerful.

Whatever you do, be it prayer, singing, praising God, teaching or preaching, make sure you add the power of expression to it. This also includes how you greet, show love, care, concern and give to men. Don't just do a good thing as if it is a duty , add a joyful expression.

Prayer / Action
* Ask God to clothe you with the spirit of humility to be able to freely express yourself before God.
* Ask God to grant you a divine encounter with Him that will surpass yourself consciousness.

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