May 30

"Ask of me." Psalms 2:8.

THIS is the condition of a very important grant. Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.

Whatever appears humiliating in the condition to which the Saviour submitted, let it be remembered that he entered it voluntarily and knowingly. He was aware that if the children were partakers of flesh and blood, he likewise himself must also take part in the same, and that in all things it behooved him to be made like unto his brethren. He must therefore not only suffer, but obey; and though he was a Son, yet learned he obedience. He must therefore pray. Prayer is the act of an inferior nature, and the Word was made flesh. Though rich, he became poor, and made himself of no reputation.

Many objections are made to prayer. Some of them are specious, but they are all founded in ignorance. The best way to answer them is to take our stand on the Scripture, and make our appeal. Does not God derive his character and glory from his hearing prayer? Is not his Spirit the Spirit of grace and supplication? Is not this his command, is not this his promise, "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find?" Does He dispense with this, even in the case of his own Son? And can it be dispensable with regard to us? We know his determination. For all these things I will yet be inquired of by the house of Israel to do it for them. "Ask, and I shall give thee."

But how was he to ask? First, when he was on earth, he prayed like one of us. He prayed alone, and in company with his disciples; he prayed in the wilderness, and in the garden, and on the cross: "In the days of his flesh, he offered up prayers and supplications, with strong crying and tears, unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared." Secondly, he continued the presentation of his desire when he entered heaven. We know not whether this was done vocally, but it was done really. Thirdly, he does it relatively. Thus prayer is made for him continually. And whenever individuals, ministers, and churches pray for the success of his cause, He is asking.

And his prayer and our praying are founded on the same consideration, his sufferings and death. It was said, that when the Father should make his soul an offering for sin, he should see his seed, and prolong his days, and the pleasure of the Lord should prosper in his hands; he should see of the travail of his soul, and should be satisfied.