Read John 16:23-31. Circle the words that stand out to you. What is the Lord saying to you?
23 In that day you will no longer ask me anything. Very truly I tell you, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. 24 Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.
25 “Though I have been speaking figuratively, a time is coming when I will no longer use this kind of language but will tell you plainly about my Father. 26 In that day you will ask in my name. I am not saying that I will ask the Father on your behalf. 27 No, the Father himself loves you because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. 28 I came from the Father and entered the world; now I am leaving the world and going back to the Father.”
29 Then Jesus’ disciples said, “Now you are speaking clearly and without figures of speech. 30 Now we can see that you know all things and that you do not even need to have anyone ask you questions. This makes us believe that you came from God.”
31 “Do you now believe?” Jesus replied.
Reflections on the Word.
“Name it and Claim it!” is a motto for many Christians. And for many Christians, they name it and yet it is left unfulfilled! There seems to be a problem with answered prayer by God.
How are we to understand Jesus’ words, “In that day you will no longer ask me anything. Very truly I tell you, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. 24 Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.”?
The asking of the Father in Jesus’ name is not for riches and fame nor escape from temptations and trials. Who hasn’t dreamed or asked to win the Lotto, promotion, or job? If Jesus already declared that we are not to lay up treasures on earth, then asking for riches and fame will go unanswered. We are to seek His Kingdom, not our own.
Could it be that Jesus was saying to them to ask for understanding of the Scriptures and who He is? The Spirit of God will be coming and revealing truths to them. The disciples need understanding of that truth so that they can communicate that truth correctly to others.
Have you ever asked the Spirit of God to give you understanding of the Scriptures? Is it our hearts desire to know more of our Heavenly Father and our Savior? God will be delighted to reveal Himself to you and to me as we pursue Him.
Let’s ask God for things that will change and transform our lives, our perspective on this world, and of the people who are around us. Let’s change our prayers from things that will expand our kingdom and instead ask for understanding of His will in our lives to expand His Kingdom.
-Kingston