That's Why I Asked

James didn’t want to be a farmer like his Dad. He resented the long days, hard work and low pay. So, every time Dad asked him to do something, he would ask sarcastically, “Why?” or “Why should I do that?” or “Why me?” or “Why do you want that done?” It bothered his Dad who planned on leaving the farm to him when he died.

One day he gave him a basket with a rope on it and said, “Go to the well and fill it with water.” “Why?” asked his son. “None of your ‘whys’ this time – just do as you’re told.”

He dipped the basket in the well and pulled it to the top. He watched the water flow out between the spaces in the basket and became angry. “It won’t hold water,” he shouted. “Do it again,” said the Dad. Again, the water seeped out of the basket. “Do it again,” said his Dad. “I will not. You’re not going to make a fool of me! I’m not going to do it again! Take your old basket back!”

“Look,” said his Dad with a smile. “Now the basket is clean – which is what it needed, and you didn't have to ask ‘why.’ The water did what it was supposed to do. It washed away the dirt. Now it’s clean, and we can use it to put our crops in.”

How like God’s Word! We don’t need to ask God “Why” we need to read His Word. It’s the way it works – it cleanses us from sin and keeps us pure. The Psalmist had it right: “How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to Your Word.”

Prayer:  Lord, give us a deep desire to read Your Word and allow it to fill our lives. Help us to become pure, and then to stay pure. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today: How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to Your Word. Psalm 119:9

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