“Ask And You Will Receive…!”

“Ask And You Will Receive…!”(Jn. 16:23b-28).
“I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name…Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete…”
The theology of some rich Christians is that Christians are not supposed to be poor. Ask them the reasons for such a theology and they will refer you to the above text, among others. Material blessings are not necessarily what we are expected to ask from the Father.
The man who says we should ask the Father for anything in his name owned nothing. He was born in a manger. He had no time for a settled life. As an itinerant preacher he only depended on the goodwill of others for daily sustenance and lodging.
Material prosperity was never on Jesus’ agenda. So what did he mean when he said “…my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name?”
When the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream, he said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” Solomon replied, “…O LORD my God…give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong…”
“The LORD was pleased that Solomon had asked for this…” and not for long life or wealth for himself, neither did he ask for the death of his enemies. Rather he asked “for discerment in administering justice.” As a result God gave Solomon what he had asked for and added to it what he had not asked for – both riches and honour…”(I Kgs 3:5-15).
To this end James recommends: “If any of you lack wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him” And when you asks, you must believe and not doubt(Jam.1:2-8).
Yes, the Lord Jesus Christ enjoins us to seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all other things will be added as well(Mt.6:33).
Life is about choices and consequences. The right choices brings joy to complement what Jesus said above, “Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.”
Hitherto the disciples had asked the Father through Jesus who was physically present with them. Now that he is anticipating his departure, he says they should ask the Father in his name.
It is for this reason that we pray to the Father “in Jesus’ name” or “through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord.”
This week intoduces us to Ascenssion day with the words, “I came from the Father and entered the world; now I am leaving the world and going back to the Father.”
Dear friend, the LORD loves us and will give us anything we ask for because we have loved his Son. But let us learn to make the right choices which pleases him and he will give us even what we did not ask; just to make our joy complete.
Sunday prayer: LORD all I ask for is a heart of discernment in administering justice and to distinguish between right and wrong. In Jesus’ name. Amen!
Have a blessed Sunday! Peace be with you!
Rev Babila Fochang.