Friday, 8 December 2023

The Upper Room Discourse 54

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John 16:23-24 In that day, you will ask Me nothing. Amen, amen I tell you, whatever you ask the Father in My name, He will give you. Up to now, you have not asked for anything in My name. Ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be full.

This is my third time in a row to write on these verses. "Whatever" is an inclusive term, until you add "in My name." Then, all of a sudden, "whatever you ask" becomes limited to whatever you ask that is consistent with the character and desire of Yeshua's reputation (His name is His reputation). So this the "new whatever."

James 4:2b-3 You do not have because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives so you may spend it on your passions.

These words are "sandwiched" between some pretty awful behavior descriptions. James 4:2a You crave and have not. You murder and you envy, yet you cannot get it. You fight and you wage war ... 4a You adulteresses! Don't you know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? People who behave this way and pray will not receive. I'm just making my point that there are limits on "whatever."

This "new whatever" is a recognition, when we pray, that there is profound unity in the Father and Son. That unity is communicated through the Holy Spirit (who will guide you into all truth - a reference to John 16:13). This leads us to a sneak peek at John 17:1 Yeshua spoke these things; then, lifting up His eyes to heaven, He said, "Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, so the Son may glorify You."

The "Good News" is that God has welcomed us into His loving family. (We studied this verse previously also.) John 14:20 In that day, you will know that I am in My Father, you are in Me, and I am in you. May you be filled today with all the fruits of the Spirit, (lack for no good thing) and pray from that place of satisfaction and sufficiency. Pray for "whatever" in the unity of the spirit and in the bond of peace in Yeshua's name and you will receive it. Amen.