Good Question!

The Lord Jesus is a real teacher. In fact, He is the best teacher in the whole world. He is able to meet every one of His students exactly where they are at and lead them onwards into deeper things. But I would see Him not so much as a school teacher, who stands in front of the class, demanding answers from a distance. Rather, I would see Him as an instructor who comes alongside and guides us into the ‘yet more’. We can learn from Him by walking together with Him, just as the twelve disciples did when Jesus walked the earth. He is with us by His Holy Spirit.

One of the best ways of helping someone grow in their understanding is by asking the right questions. We might have many questions for the Lord and think that, if only He would answer our questions, then we would finally understand what we need to know. But the fact is that, in our humanity, we might not be asking the right questions. However, when God asks a question, it is always the right one. We see and think from a human perspective, and God sees things from a heavenly point of view.

Throughout the Bible God frequently meets with people by asking them a question (sometimes a very pointed one). In Genesis Chapter 3, God approached Adam and asked him “Where are you, Adam”? And in the subsequent dialogue God has three further questions for the guilty man in hiding.

In the book of Job, when Job had finally finished talking, God confronted him with a whole barrage of questions which completely changed Job’s perspective. This led to his repentance as well as a complete restoration (Job 38-42).

In 1 Kings Chapter 19, God initiated a conversation with the rather disillusioned prophet Elijah with the question “What are you doing here, Elijah?” This led to Elijah sharing his complaint and God turning him around and sending him into his next mission.
In John Chapter 21, the Lord asked Simon Peter, after his utter betrayal and failure, if he loved Him. This line of questioning led to a complete turnaround and re-commissioning for this disciple.

Of course, it is not wrong for us to ask God the questions which weigh on our hearts. That is part of having relationship with Him. But I want to suggest that we give space to the Lord and invite Him to ask us a question. “What is it Lord, that You would ask Me?” would be a great prayer. Recently, on one of our events, we came as a group to the Lord with this prayer and He spoke so powerfully to several people.

Perhaps the Lord might remind us of one of the questions He asked Adam, Job, Elijah, or Simon Peter. Perhaps He will remind us of another question in the Scriptures. Or He might ask us something complete different and unique. Whatever it is, when God starts asking us questions, our lives will never be the same again.

Prayer: Dear Lord, You are my teacher and, if You have a question for me, I would like to hear it. Today I want to invite You to ask me that which is on Your heart for me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.