"Abundant Joy!"

Scripture Passage

John 15:18-17:26

Scripture Focus

“At that time you won’t need to ask me for anything. I tell you the truth, you will ask the Father directly, and he will grant your request because you use my name. You haven’t done this before. Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy.” (John 16:23-24 NLT)

Observation

Every day I engage in activities and enjoy experiences that generations of people have never known. I enjoy foods from all over the world that, in previous eras, the wealthiest kings could not have provided for themselves. I hop on an airplane (with scores of other travelers) and am transported from one part of the world to another in less than a day. With the same electronic device—and wirelessly, at that—I hold a long-distance conversation, listen to preferred music, watch a live video, send an email and take a family photo. What was previously unthinkable is now quite ordinary.

Jesus says to his disciples, about accessing the Father in His name, “You haven’t done this before.” (John 16:24 NLT). Is that not a fascinating thought? Is that not a startling reminder of how the previously unthinkable has become the ordinary, all because of Jesus? Because I’ve always known the privilege of prayer in Jesus’ name—of unfettered access to the Father through Christ—I can hardly imagine a time when such was not the case.

But there was such a time. Jesus’ disciples knew of it…and lived in it. But now, Jesus’ promise is that their requests no longer need to be directed to Him, but only through Him, direct to the Father. Because of Jesus, they (and we) now have full and immediate access.

Jesus says one result of this will be “abundant joy.” I think that’s true. How do you feel when you’re moved to the front of the line? I’m thinking, today, that when I live understanding the implications of Jesus’ promise…when I don’t so easily take for granted my access to the Father through the Son…that is exactly the case. I am filled with abundant joy! So that’s where I’m directing my heart, today. Thank you, Savior, that I can ask in your name, and I will receive, and I will have abundant joy!

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