Don?t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. (John 14:10 NIV)
The Father and the Son could not be closer or more of the same heart and mind. There is between them a mutual indwelling. Any vision of the Father that I have which is not deeply resonant with my image of Jesus should be called into question.
Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. (John 14:12, 13 NIV)
Trust unites our weakness with the Father's strength. The reunion of the Father and the Son opens new doors of opportunity and power for these followers. It is in union with Father and Son that I can have wisdom and confidence to make requests that are in keeping with the intentions and aims of God. I seek only that which would highlight the beauty and honor of the Father. I feel humbled and grateful. I feel wanted and welcomed. I'm a little overwhelmed by the idea of greater things I might do.
And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it. (John 14:13, 14 NIV)
Can you possibly mean this for me? Whatever? Anything? What if I am asking selfishly? (I suppose that wouldn't be "in your name, would it.") What are some of the anythings or whatevers you would draw me to ask for today? What have you wanted to give to me or through me that hasn't yet come because I was too timid, too selfish, too nearsighted to ask?
What might I ask for myself? For Gem and my sons? For The Leadership Institute? For my latest book project? Where else should/could I be making requests?
Jesus, you have told me that you will do whatever I ask in your name so that the Father might be glorified in you. You have given me permission to ask you for anything in your name, and that you?d do it.
Why am I so timid in the face of such a powerful invitation? Why would I settle for such small requests (or even failing to make any requests)? The other day, Gem made a very specific request on behalf of one of our sons. Within a day, we saw evidence of your initiative and generosity towards him in that exact way. Why would I be timid in my asking? I?ve been hit and miss. I?ve asked, and then forgotten that I asked (so that I might not have noticed your response). Help me keep growing up in my way of praying.
