Exchange Aladdin’s Lamp
The story of Aladdin is timeless. A poor but virtuous boy is tricked by an evil, power hungry old guy to go into a mysterious cave to get a lamp. He must only get the lamp and leave untouched the fabulous wealth, gold, jewels and desirable babbles—if he takes anything but the lamp, the cave will become his tomb. Of course, Aladdin is tempted, the cave seals him in but he discovers the old lamp contains a magic Genie who comes to his rescue. The catch? Aladdin gets only three wishes!
I would love to find a magic lamp, get three wishes, and solve my most pressing problems, wouldn’t you? We know it’s just a fable, but…
The average person treats God like God wants to take something from us; and we often pray as if Jesus Christ were a genie in a lamp—a servant to our needs and desires, able to be ordered, tricked, and contained.
Quite the opposite is true!
The Bible states, “He who comes from above is above all. He who is of the earth belongs to the earth and speaks in an earthly way. He who comes from heaven is above all” (John 3:31 ESV).
Although we often treat God like a myth or a fable, the truth is: God can’t be contained, he can’t be tricked, he can’t be ordered about. God is Almighty, the Highest of the high; He’s above all!
John continues, “Whoever receives his testimony sets his seal to this, that God is true. For he whom God has sent utters the words of God, for he gives the Spirit without measure. The Father loves the Son and has given all things into his hand. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life” (John 3:33–36 ESV).
In plain English: If you accept and confess that God is True, instead of a magic lamp, he generously gives you his Spirit so you can navigate whatever you face in life! Best of all, God is One: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. If you’ll receive this Truth, God gives you eternal life that begins NOW, not after you die.
Consider the implications. God gives you Himself! You don’t have three wishes—you get a lifetime adventure. Do you need an answer to prayer? Do you have health, family, financial, relationship or other issues? Ask God for help. God promises to answer if you truly believe and treat Him as “an ever present help in times of trouble” and not as a children’s story. The truth is so much better than any enchanting fable!
Today, exchange the story of Aladdin’s lamp for the True and Living God who gives His Spirit without counting how many times you ask for help. Believe!
If these inspirational meditations resonate with you, please subscribe and follow this site—and thank you for sharing it with friends as well.
