Tag: John 13:38
Believing and asking and peace!
Scripture reading for April 24: John 14
“”Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in Me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. Whatever you ask in My Name this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask Me anything in My Name, I will do it. If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.”” John 14:12-15
People who simply live in the natural world are often quite negative and pessimistic about life and its circumstances. They are bombarded each day by negative news and sights and sounds of trouble, violence and pain. Jesus had just told His disciples about His betrayal and coming crucifixion. He told of Peter’s coming denial after Peter had boasted of his willingness to die for Jesus. (John 13:38) But Jesus countered all this negative news with some encouraging instructions and powerful truths.
Jesus promised those who believed in Him that they would do the works that Jesus had been doing, but even greater works because He was going away to His Father. He told them that they had the privilege and authority to ask for ‘anything in My Name’, and He would grant the answer to their prayers! They were instructed not to live with troubled hearts or live in fear during difficult times. (John 14:27) Faith in Jesus would be the key to this optimistic world of possibilities, good works, healing, deliverance and greater works (in number) than even Jesus had done. Faith would involve asking in Jesus’ Name and obedience to His instructions and commands. Jesus promised peace in the troubles to His followers.
Do you ever find yourself weighed down with trouble in your hearts or fear? Do some of Jesus’ statements cause you to have fear about your own loyalty? Are you countering the fear and troubled hearts by believing and living victoriously in peace?
Prayer: Father, forgive me for becoming troubled in heart over the bad news that often overwhelms my senses. May these words of warning and of truth in believing in Jesus Christ daily bring me into Your promised peace and the power to do the greater works that You want to see through my life. Amen.