Quote:
Originally Posted by Craig1974  Acts 1:15-26 (NASB) Displays in my opinion an example of the Apostles praying to Jesus specifically to show which of these chosen men would serve as an Apostle to replace Judas. The authority to choose Apostles was given to Jesus. It was Jesus who later on chose Paul to be an Apostle. Therefore I think the Apostles prayed to Jesus in this instance.
Also, we sing songs about Jesus, we read that Jesus accepted worship while on earth. Why do we think it not proper to pray to him or give thanks to him in prayer? Jesus is God. The only member of the Godhead that we read absolutely nothing about worshipping is the Holy Spirit. No command, example or inference in the Bible about worshipping the Holy Spirit. We are to abide in the Spirit by abiding in the Word.
15At this time Peter stood up in the midst of the brethren (a gathering of about one hundred and twenty persons was there together), and said,
16"Brethren, the Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit foretold by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus.
17"For he was counted among us and received his share in this ministry."
18(Now this man acquired a field with the price of his wickedness, and falling headlong, he burst open in the middle and all his intestines gushed out.
19And it became known to all who were living in Jerusalem; so that in their own language that field was called Hakeldama, that is, Field of Blood.)
20"For it is written in the book of Psalms,
'LET HIS HOMESTEAD BE MADE DESOLATE,
AND LET NO ONE DWELL IN IT';
and,
'LET ANOTHER MAN TAKE HIS OFFICE.'
21"Therefore it is necessary that of the men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us--
22 beginning with the baptism of John until the day that He was taken up from us--one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection."
23So they put forward two men, Joseph called Barsabbas (who was also called Justus), and Matthias.
24And they prayed and said, "You, Lord, who know the hearts of all men, show which one of these two You have chosen
25to occupy this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place."
26And they drew lots for them, and the lot fell to Matthias; and he was added to the eleven apostles. |
Why does it have to be Jesus? God the Father, whom Jesus said they were to ask all things from after He assends, knows all things. Is He not Lord as His Son is? Isn't Jesus and the Father, One?
Although I appreciate the effort, it is not really a water tight example.
For all in us in this study, please keep in mind that requesting something from God is different than giving thanks. Jesus said when they ask for something, they should pray and ask the Father.
We also need to keep in mind that Jesus WHOLE goal was to bring man and God together. This was to His glory that He did. When Jesus succeeded in doing so through His life and sacrifice, to His glory we CAN pray directly to the Father THROUGH Him and to the Father's Glory that we ask in Christ.
Hebrews 10:19-23
19 Therefore, brethren,
having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way which
He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, 21 and having a High Priest over the house of God,
22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.
John 14:13
And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that
the Father may be glorified in the Son.
John 15:16
You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that
whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.
John 16:23-24
“And
in that day you will ask Me nothing. Most assuredly, I say to you,
whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you. 24 Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.