SCRIPTURE: John 16:16-24
After Jesus rises from the dead, the disciples’ joy overflows.
Prior to His death, the disciples were hoping for position and privilege in God’s restored kingdom.
After His resurrection, their joy in Jesus exploded.
Now they were more interested in Jesus than any perks associated with knowing Him.
The disciples are transformed into people willing to die for their love for Jesus.
Prior to Jesus’ death, they were seeking (or asking) for themselves, for their own sake.
After the resurrection, they are seeking (or asking) for His name, for His sake, for His glory.
“But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ.” (Philippians 3:7)
When we turn our eyes upon Jesus, the things of this world grow strangely dim.
Our joy is not found in worldly gain, but spiritual treasure.
When Jesus speaks of asking God in Jesus’ Name, He doesn’t mean using Jesus’ Name to get our worldly desires.
He is talking about the deepest desire of someone who knows Jesus, and whose deepest prayer becomes wanting to know Jesus more, and to make Him known.
‘Give me what I need to tell people about You, to let others know how great You are!’
God will ALWAYS answer this prayer, He will always give us “in Jesus’ Name” prayers.
Great joy is not found in seeking gain for ourselves, but seeking to share God’s blessing with others.
This is what Jesus did, and this is what those committed to His Name do.
“Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.” (John 16:24)
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, knowing You is better than having things from You. My hearts desire is to know You more, and to help others know You. I ask this humbly, boldly, in Your Name, for Your sake!