In fact, in his public ministry he never taught without using parables; but afterward, when he was alone with his disciples, he explained everything to them.

Mark 4:34

Dear God, why the double standard? Why didn’t you teach plainly to the public? Why leave it sometimes vague? I can certainly understand using parables and stories to make your point, but why not include the application of the story?

Maybe you were chumming the water. Maybe you were trying to intrigue people to the point where they would want to know more and have to do some work on their own to find the answers. Maybe that’s what you do with me now. Even in these prayers I do in this journal, I am doing a little bit of work to find you and your voice. I am listening. I am thinking. I’m pondering and contemplating.

Father, thank you for always doing what is best for me and my development as a man under your authority, whether I realize (or like) what you are doing or not. Help me to persevere. Help me to pursue you. Help me to submit to you and give you all of the glory for all that you do.

In Jesus’s name I pray,

Amen