이 성탄 계절에 사도 바울은 두기로를 특별히 골로새 교회 성도들에게 보냈다(골4:8)하는 말씀을 묵상할 때 하나님 아버지께서 우리를 "이처럼 사랑하사 독생자를 주셨"다(gave)(요3:16)는 말씀과 더불어 "자기 아들을 아끼지 아니하시고 우리 모든 사람을 위해 내주"셨다(gave up)(롬8:32)는 말씀과 "그는 우리를 위하여 자신을 버리"셨다(gave Himself up)(엡5:2)는 말씀을 연관해서 묵상하게 되었습니다. 그리하였을 때 예수님께서 십자가상에서 "엘리 엘리 라마 사박다니"("나의 하나님, 나의 하나님, 어찌하여 나를 버리셨나이까 하는 뜻")(마27:46)라는 말씀도 생각났습니다. 사랑하시고 기뻐하시는 아들 예수님을 십자가에 버리시기까지 우리를 이처럼 사랑하시는 하나님으로 인해 우리도 예수님과 복음을 위하여 우리 목숨을 잃을 수 있길 기원합니다(막8:35). https://youtu.be/amBwOJJrKxs?si=B6DoBllFE_Il7U-p
A man of prayer (2) [Nehemiah 1:4-11] A farmer encountered a huge bear in the mountains. He was terrified and collapsed on the spot. And he fervently prayed: ‘God, change this bear's heart to meekness.’ The farmer prayed for a while and opened his eyes. But the bear was also sitting and praying. The farmer was very moved to think that his prayer had been answered: ‘God answered my prayer so quickly. My prayer touched the bear's heart.’ Then the bear finished praying and looked at the farmer with a deep expression and said: ‘I have no idea what you are praying for. I just prayed with food in front of me’ (Internet). What is the lesson for us in this amusing example of prayer? There are times when we, like the farmer, think we have received answers to our prayers and are mistaken. Then, how should we pray to God in order to receive answers to our prayers? ...