REMAIN IN ME - PART 6

THURSDAY 05 OCTOBER 2023

Before I start today's article, thanks be unto God, who answers our prayers with finding fault, without any underlying grudges, without rejecting us, without reluctance, without neglecting our requests, without criticism, without displeasure or disapproval, without reservation, without disappointing us, without rebuking us, without acrimony and unfair treatment. I will expound the details of this verity in part 7. More below!

Reference: John 15:7 New Living Translation (NLT) "But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted."

The versified segment, "But if you remain in me and my words remain in you" denotes the interflow or agreement sustained as a result of being united with Christ, with our common interest as born again Christians, which is faith in God. Moreover, all Christians who ensure that the Word remains in them, richly enjoy a mutual like-mindedness within the mystery, namely Christ. So the inextricable union we have with Christ is mainly demonstrated and effectuated by the efficacious level of the Word in us. Got it?

Today's focus is on the last segment in accordance with our versified reference, and that is: "You may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted." Beloved, did you know that God alone is the author of our prayer life? He formed the plan; He executed it in the gift of His Son; and so, He gives good and perfect gifts to us only in the name of His Son. As you fulfil the condition of being in Christ Jesus and granting the Word access to your Spirit, you can ask for anything you want, and it will be granted, but in whose name? In the precious name of Jesus!

Psalm 65:2 reads, "You (God) who hear prayer, to you all men will come." However, all men must come in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ, not in their own name, not in any prophet's name, and definitely, not in Moses' or Abraham's name. Beloved, it is not by the virtue of our own free will, power, and strength, but in the name of Jesus.

Why the name of Jesus? Firstly, it is because of His obedient attitude towards God's perfect will for Him. The Bible says, "Though He was God, He did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, He gave up His divine privileges; He took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When He appeared in human form, He humbled Himself in obedience to God and died a criminal's death on a cross" (Philippians 2:6-8).

Now watch God's direct response to His obedience: "Therefore, God elevated Him to the place of highest honor and gave Him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (Philippians 2:9-11 NLT). You can see how "using the name of Jesus" became a prerequisite for effective communication with God as we beseech or make any request to Him, in accordance with His will.

Through His highly exalted name which was fully granted after His death, hence, destroying the power of sin, and by His resurrection and triumph over death, God's grace was imparted to us to enable us to sustain the ministry of answered prayers that takes effect through our communion with the Spirit of God and our commitment to prayer lifestyle.

By acknowledging that Jesus is an obedient servant, we have an exhortation to ask anything in His name through prayer, as we remain steadfast in the Word and firmly established in our faith in Christ Jesus, in order to keep receiving that which we desire after prayer. So we must always mention His name in prayer. In a nutshell, the mystery of any answered prayers is rooted in Christ's obedience and unswerving loyalty to God's will and ultimate purpose for mankind.

Therefore, we must learn to cling to our hope and expectations with a tenacious grip - in the name of Jesus, whenever we come to God with our entreaty or petition. And indeed, it is a great and wonderful privilege! Stay tuned for the second reason why we must mention the name of Jesus to receive answers to prayer (in part 7). Shalom!

Scripture Reading - Mark 11:24; John 16:24; Romans 8:32; 2 Peter 1:3.

Guided Prayer: Heavenly Father, your Word wells up in my heart as I speak it forth and pray it out loud, and the dictates find their tangible results and lasting meaning through your answers to my prayers. I acknowledge that without the name of Jesus, there are no divine possibilities; for this reason, I give Him the due praise for all the good works and influence in my prayer life. Thank you Father because all the fruitfulness and blessings I obtain are ascribed to Christ, and His abundant grace upon my life, in Jesus' Name, Amen!