Today's Scripture
John 16:19-28
Maintaining the Proper Relationship “the friend of the bridegroom…” John 3:29
“In that day you will ask in My name,” that is, in My nature. Not —”You will use My name as some magic word,” but—”You will be so intimate with Me that you will be one with Me.” “That day” is not a day in the next life, but a day meant for here and now. “For the Father Himself loves you”—the Father’s love is evidence that our union with Jesus is complete and absolute. Our Lord does not mean that our lives will be free from external difficulties and uncertainties, but that just as He knew the Father’s heart and mind, we too can be lifted by Him into heavenly places through the baptism of the Holy Spirit, so that He can reveal the teachings of God to us.
“Whatever you ask the Father in My name…” (John 16:23) “That day” is a day of peace and an untroubled relationship between God and His saint. Just as Jesus stood unblemished and pure in the presence of His Father, we too by the mighty power and effectiveness of the baptism of the Holy Spirit can be lifted into that relationship—”that they may be one just as We are one.” (John 17:22)
“…He will give you” (John 16:23) Jesus said that because of His name, God will recognize and respond to our prayers. What a great challenge and invitation— to pray in His name! Through the resurrection and ascension power of Jesus, and through His empowering Holy Spirit, we can be lifted into such a relationship. Once in that wonderful position, having been placed there by Jesus Christ, we can pray to our Father in Jesus name—in His nature. This is a gift granted to us through the Holy Spirit, and Jesus said, “Whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you.” The sovereign character of Jesus Christ is tested and proved by His own statements.
Today's Prayer
Lord, help us to be so intimate with You that we become one with You. Help us to take advantage of our difficulties and challenges, to make stepping stones opportunities out of them while allowing You to lift us into heavenly places through the leading of Your Holy Spirit.