Kingdom quests

Questions could say
several things to those for whom they are meant. They could also reveal much
about the inquirer’s ignorance, intelligence, values, dreams, passion, disgust,
maliciousness…

The ability to ask and answer questions is an integral
part of education and the discipleship process in particular.  

A simple and sincere question from a disciple could be
a clear witness to deep spiritual hunger and an apt response may unlock the
fountains of knowledge, granting revelation that could lead to terrible things
in righteousness.

There are questions that should be answered categorically
with a simple yes or no.

There are questions that could be answered analytically
or logically, by defining or redefining terms and perspectives.

There are questions that should be answered with a
counter-question.

There are questions that should just be put aside and ignored.

The Lord Jesus asked and answered questions in ways
that brought both clarity and confusion to the audience, depending on the state
of their heart. Those that sort to justify themselves went home upset while the
hungry for truth left filled.

Our Students’ Conference 2011 is in day four and we have
heard and handled some interesting questions as we attempt to chart a
discipleship path for over 600 young minds here in Yei.

The interactive nature of this meeting encouraged
these students to engage the facilitators with some probing questions that have
greatly helped the purpose of this Conference.

These questions may appear silly or funny but nothing
can be taken away from the sincere heart that asked them. This is where we are
today, but we are moving this elementary level to deeper truths of the Kingdom.

They asked:

“Does God have a father and
mother?”

 “Who is God?”

“How can I stop smoking?”

 ‘How long should I walk with Jesus?”

“What is faith?”

“If you say that God created
everything and lives in heaven; where was He staying before He made heaven and
earth?”

“How can I forgive?”

“What does Jesus look like?”

“How do I know I am saved?”

“If the Bible says we should
confess our sins to one another, why should we confess to God also?”

“Is it everyone that can
hear God’s voice?”

“How does God discipline His
children as a father?”

 “What does Jesus mean by saying he has come to
bring division with families in Matthew 10:34-37?”

“If it’s true that we are here to help others, then what are
the others suppose to be doing?”

“Why do men have nipples when they can’t breastfeed?”

The ultimate aim of every question should be to shed
light on what is unknown or misunderstood. Questions should prompt knowledge,
truth and action.

We all as students of life use questions to nurture
our relationships, process our judgments, search for truth, expose error,
establish our faith and so on.

Jesus asked one that was not answered, “My God, My
God, why have you forsaken me?”

When last were you asked a question you had no response
to? What’s that question you are seeking answer to?