23 In that day you will no longer ask me anything. I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. 24 Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.
In our verse for today Christ speaks of two ways of asking – enquiry, which is the asking of the ignorant and request, which is the asking of the indigent – we are both in God’s sight. The former addressed in verse 23 the latter in verse 24. By our Lord’s Word, we discover a far superior light regarding the knowledge of God will be enjoyed by believers in Christ upon His second coming - this is the chief promise given us in verse 23. When the Holy Spirit was poured out, indeed a fuller knowledge occurred of divine things yet this promise will have its complete accomplishment in heaven where we will see the Father as He truly He is. We shall behold Him - fully understanding the meaning of things for which now we have but a glimmer of comprehension. What a day that will be! Indeed, Jesus tells us we will no longer have a need to even ask anything. Paul describes both our present and future understanding in 1 Corinthians – our partial knowledge will one day be displaced by the perfect knowledge of God:
12 Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. 1 Cor 13:12 (NIV)
Secondly, as our Lord’s ambassadors, we have been given the right, duty, and privilege to ask of the Father whatever is needful for us to accomplish His purposes and will for our lives – whatever things are necessary for God’s glory, for our good, and for the interest of Christ in the world. He will always supply this need. He has promised. Nothing is asked in vain. All of our instruction, direction, strength and success stem from a healthy prayer life – it is our duty as Christ’s disciples to give ourselves to the high calling of prayer. Certainly we are the losers if we do not avail ourselves of this great privilege.
“The truths I know best I have learned on my knees.” John Bunyan
We are to ask fully and confidently so that we may receive fully and abundantly. Faith opens all the treasures of God and never goes away empty – we are not merely given a sip, our cups will overflow.
“Prayer is the key to Heavens treasures.” John Gerhard
Paul writes the following very good news to the believer in Jesus - all the promises of Scripture are a resounding “Yes” in Christ:
20 For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ. And so through him the "Amen" is spoken by us to the glory of God. 21 Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, 22 set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. 2 Cor 1:20-22 (NIV)
When God calls us to a task, He equips us for the task – this is fulfillment of joy in our lives. All other things we will seek to bring us joy will ultimately come up wanting.
“It pleases the Father that all fullness should be in Christ; therefore, there is nothing but emptiness anywhere else.” William Gadsby
I am reminded of the time in Scripture when Jesus sent out the seventy-two and they returned filled with joy for being vessels used in the Master’s hand to bring Him glory:
17 The seventy-two returned with joy and said, "Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name." Luke 10:17 (NIV)
Scripture states Jesus also was joy filled over these guys at last “getting it” just as He presently is over our “Ah-Ha’s”:
21 At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure." Luke 10:21 (NIV)
“Faith is to believe what you do not yet see; the reward for this faith is to see what you believe.” Augustine