“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
Adam Clarke (1762-1832) is chiefly remembered for writing a massive commentary on the Bible which took him forty years to complete. It became a primary Methodist theological resource for over two centuries. He taught that the Bible provides a complete interpretation of God’s nature and will. On the subject of prayer he wrote these revealing words, “Apostasy begins in the closet. No man ever backslid from the life and power of Christianity who continued constant and fervent in private prayer. He who prays without ceasing is likely to rejoice evermore.”
Perhaps Adam Clarke was recalling the last words of Jesus in our text for today, as He gave them instructions on a new way of praying—directly to the Father in His Name. He called the result of this new approach to prayer, “abundant joy.”
At that time you won’t need to ask me for anything. After our Lord’s resurrection and ascension into heaven, the disciples returned with great joy to Jerusalem (Luke 24:51-52) and their first act of obedience was to gather in the Upper Room and pray (Acts 1:14)—and God responded by replacing Judas with Matthias among the twelve apostles (Acts 1:24). Then came Pentecost and all heaven broke loose (Acts 2:1-6). The New Covenant began to all who believed. Then came prayer for boldness, healings, signs and wonders in the Name of Jesus—and the place where they were praying shook with power (Acts 4:29-31)!
I tell you the truth, you will ask the Father directly. In our first study we learned that the phrase translated, “I tell you the truth,” was one of our Lord’s favorite expressions. It is recorded 78 times in the gospels. Literally, it says, “Amen, Amen, I am saying to you.” The word “Amen” is transliterated from the Hebrew word meaning, to be firm, steady or trustworthy, rendered also as “truth.” It is repeated twice for emphasis. When Jesus used that phrase, it was always followed by an absolute truth. What is that truth?
He will grant your request because you use My name. Because the answer is in the future tense, it means it could happen at any moment when you cry out to God in the name of Jesus. God will always respond to our circumstances in His perfect timing. Always!
You haven’t done this before. Because Jesus would no longer be with them, seeking His help and guidance would be a new experience. Imagine being used to asking Jesus directly in person at any time—and then asking Him when He is gone. Spiritually, He remains the same (Hebrews 13:5-6).
Ask, using My name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy. Abundant joy is one word in the original language. That word is char. What’s interesting is char is the root of the word charis which means grace or undeserved favor. The two go together. God always responds to our asking with His grace, without expectation of return—to bring us joy. It’s the absolute free expression of the loving kindness of God to us that finds its only motive in His bounty, benevolence and love for us.
TAKEAWAY:
Jesus dwells within us (Colossians 1:27). He is always available, always ready to answer our requests. He knows our need before we even ask (Matthew 6:8). His Name makes all heaven stop and listen. Ask our Heavenly Father in His name and “our joy will be like a river overflowing its banks!” (The Message).
Next Monday:
Principle Number Four: “The Matchless Name Of Jesus.”
