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.” vss. 13-14
John 14:12-17
Though these words from John’s gospel are used regularly by prosperity preachers as part of their health and wealth message, many others read them with a strong dose of healthy skepticism. They’ve had too many experiences with unanswered prayer and have come to know that whatever Jesus meant, he didn’t mean that he’d do whatever we asked for. But still, we wonder! Because through the 2000 years of the Church’s history countless believers have taken Jesus at his word and have asked him for any number of things. Might it not be that the rapid expansion of Christianity around the globe and the fact that there now are millions of faith communities and over 2.3 billion adherents be an indication that Jesus has kept his promise? Jesus did tell his disciples that they would never be alone and that his Spirit would be with them as an Advocate. They believed him, continually prayed for the Spirit’s guidance, and the praying and asking is still going on. Today, the day of Pentecost is a time to celebrate and recognize that we are part of a dynamic, Spirit-filled body that is a force for good in this otherwise broken world. Despite our bickering and flaws, the Church is alive and well! Praise God!
Thought for the Day: Why do we doubt that our prayers are effective?
0 Comments