Ask and Receive

Imagine you could have anything you want.  What would you ask for?

Very truly, I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, infact, will do greater works than these, because I am going to the Father. I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If in my name you ask me for anything, I will do it. - John 14:12-14

In today's reading, Jesus is telling his disciples that the great works he has done in their presence he has accomplished because the Father is alive in him, and if they believe in him, they can do the same.

Then he goes on to tell them what they ask for in his name will be granted to them.

That's the part we remember, right?  And we remember to say, "In Jesus' name we pray" when we ask the Father for anything we want.

But what if the two statements Jesus made belong together?  What if the first part about doing what he has done is method and the reason for asking the Father for anything?

As believers, don't we have a calling to be active in the world the way Jesus was?  Isn't our focus outward and not inward?

I believe God wants us to be actively involved in helping each other.  The example Jesus gave us of living in the Father is one of engagement and action.  He did not simply pray over those afflicted, he healed them.  He did not pray for the hungry; he fed them.

The miracles he performed were done in concert with God.  And they required work on his part.  Jesus grew tired and weak, needing rest and nourishment when he healed others.

So, the message for us in this might be one of understanding what we need to pray for when we seek help from the Father.  It may be that we need to pray for His help in doing His work through us, to use us as His instruments of healing and grace.

That is the way we glorify God, by doing His work.

And sometimes that work can be as simple as being a witness to God's love exhibited through others.

Each day I am amazed at how many people find their way to our door to help serve meals and give their time to those in need.  We don't have to seek them out; they just come.

Perhaps they have felt the presence of God in themselves, and are moved to action, seeking opportunities to be both a witness and an instrument.

Or perhaps they have just learned what is important to ask for in Jesus' name, and this is their answer.

When we seek God's love for ourselves and pray for His help, He sends someone who is ready and willing to serve.  When we reach out to Him to find our way to Him, chances are He will guide us to where we can be of help to others.

That is His work, His will, His grace.

So, let us ask, today, for God's help in doing His work for those who cry out to Him, and in doing so, we will glorify His name and be filled with His loving grace.

What else would you ask for?

More to come...