This weekend, I spoke the words to a client:
“Just ask, we will be right there with you…”
The context was simple, he wanted to change something on his bow (Archery), but was unsure, so I gave an explanation, and an assurance that if he gets stuck, we will come and assist.
So this morning, as I am reading John 16, I started thinking about this passage and how we are using it…
“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. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.”
(John 16:23–24 NIV)
Jesus says to the disciples that tough times are coming and uses the metaphor of a mother in labour, giving birth to a child… and again I thought about every story you see on TV or read about in books or see in movies where a nurse or doctor is comforting the mother or couple and says: “Whatever you need, just ask, and we will get it for you…”
The context is quite limited… surely the doctor didn’t mean a new house or car, but specifically related to the care of the patient?
So, just for reference, Jesus is currently speaking in a context of troubled times to come. Both immediate and future (I don’t think Jesus was just referring to the period around His crucifixion).
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
(John 16:33 NIV)
So I was thinking about the prayers God answers and the things God provides…
God is a father, and like me, I want to give my kids everything they ask for, but I know some things I really shouldn’t. So I don’t… I believe God is the same way.
I gave my daughter a knife, because I want her to learn about safety and consequences of mishandling something dangerous. But I am not going to give her a gun (she is not ready… yet)
Some answers to requests are gifts. Just a blessing, just because. Some are teaching moments (I give you this so that you can be disappointed in it, and know why things like this is a bad idea) and some are denied because they are not ready or capable… and some are denied because it will simply just be bad for them.
But then I looked further and came across something that focussed my attention a bit:
What do you think it means when Jesus says “In My Name”?
Do we invoke the name of Jesus in prayer to get what we want? Like taking out daddy’s credit card at the shops?
If you look at the Greek, it seems to be more of an authoritative statement: Onomati
You will find _onomati_ frequently in prophecy. Jesus Says, God Says, These words are spoken in His name… In other words: Not our instructions, not our words, but the words of Jesus.
The closest example and a simple analogy I have heard, is something like this:
If one of my kids come to me and says: “Give me 20 bucks please” – I will have many questions. Why? What is it for, is your homework done, where is the money I gave you a week ago… etc, etc…
But if one of my kids come to me and says “Mom says that you must give me 20 bucks” I will probably just say ok, and give it… Why? Because mom’s authority caries weight. She already decided they need it. They passed a request from mom, they didn’t ask in their own capacity…
This gave me pause.
What am I asking God for, and probably more importantly, why…
“But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.”
(John 16:13 NIV)
Depending on the Holy Spirit to guide me in my requests seems prudent, And to be fair… It has happened that I have stopped dead in my tracks in the middle of a prayer where the Holy Spirit quite clearly makes it known that “This” is not what you should be asking for… and redirects my prayer.
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
(John 16:33 NIV)
Not a peaceful world, just peace in a troubled world.
Be blessed and be a blessing to those around you!
