And this is the confidence (the assurance, the privilege of boldness) which we have in Him: [we are sure] that if we ask anything (make any request) according to His will (in agreement with His own plan), He listens to and hears us. 1 John 5:14 AMPC
The Context:
John the Beloved is credited with writing this book, and it is not a wonder that he writes from the perspective of the love of God, what it means to the world and to all who have come to believe in God. There are several parts of the three letters of John where he makes it clear that the principles of God's kingdom rest on the pillars of God's nature, power and presence, all of which are tied into His Son Jesus Christ. In fact, just earlier in the same chapter under consideration here, we read these words: "Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God." That is God's testimony about His son, and I am free to take or reject it, but I must know that eternity lies at the end of whatever decision I take.
And today's words, as well as the other parts of the letters of John, are addressed to "you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life." These words are not for the people of the world, who have not yet known or surrendered their lives to Jesus. And the reason is clear: you can only make a claim on the benefits of a kingdom of which you are a legal citizen. You may take them by deception and get away with it, but you will always be looking over your shoulder. All that today's extract says are for people who have believed in the son of God, who is Jesus. It is not enough to know, read, hear or speak about Him; the key word here is BELIEVE in Him. Men of the world know of Him, even the devil knows He is the Son of God, yet that knowledge cannot save him from his eternal doom.
The Message:
So, do I truly know this God and His Son, or am I effectively chasing shadows? And that personal knowledge seals eternity for me; it is something I already have, even while I walk with and work for God here on earth. It is in that context that today's extract makes sense. When I have God, the past, no matter how terrible, is washed clean. The present is a gift from God for me to make the best use of to impact the world He has placed me in and the future is also sealed. I can ask God for anything I want and because all I want is in line with God's will, He is eager to give them to me.
If God could give up His Son to die in my place, and a shameful death at that, what else would He not give up for me? If He could lay down His life for me, paying that high penalty for sin, what is it that is so hard that He can't give me if I ask? I am told to ask in confidence, because I have come to know a God whose love for me isn't about what I ask Him for but about who He is and what He has already given me. He didn't wait for me to first be worthy of the love; He loved me in spite of my rebellion. He has done all there is to do; secured eternity for me; all I can do now is to make a demand on my eternal treasures.
The Response:
I am told to ASK for anything IN His name, not by the strength of my circle of influence, or the depth of my experience and knowledge, or by the balance in my bank account. None of these things can do for me what the personal knowledge of God has already done for me. Again, I note: I am to ask, not grumble, complain or moan about my lot in life. If I do not ask, and I do not get, I cannot turn around and blame God for not giving me that which He had promised. He has told me how to ask in a way that I can get what He promised, and it is by simple obedience that I access all of God.
As His will is my own pursuit, I get what He wants for me. A life that is totally surrendered to God embraces all that God does. When I ask, unless God says No, I keep at it until His will is established. Even if he says no, my relationship with God should outlast a No, or a not yet, because ultimately, my desire is to please God, not to pursue my own agenda. There is no room for shame; I am speaking to my Father. This is a relationship thing; it will be a strange sight indeed if you find a son who has fully obeyed and honoured his father, being rejected by the father. My life as God's child is a message to the world. My life is a beacon of joy to those who seek meaning and direction. What of you? Have you met and surrendered your life to this God? Does He know you as His own? It is never too late to sort out your allegiance until it is too late. While you have time, get to it. The benefits of eternity are for those who have surrendered to the eternal God. His time of favour is here.
No comments:
Post a Comment