Ask and Receive

John 16:23-24 “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 that your happiness may be complete.”

GOOD questions guide us to gain knowledge and to understand. When you question with a willing mind, “wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.” (Proverbs 2:10)
   In this Upper Room Discourse, we have read of the disciples’ many questions about Jesus’ departing words. Before Jesus’ death, resurrection and ascension, they were unable to grasp the full knowledge of the Lord’s words. Jesus said, “In that day.” to point to a change that is coming. “In that day” is the day these men will see the resurrected Lord and witness his ascension. It is the day the Holy Spirit will anoint them at Pentecost. It is the day they will begin teaching minds, healing bodies and saving souls. In that day is the day the questions will stop and the Kingdom harvest will begin.
     Suddenly, the apostles will gain the full knowledge of Christ crucified, dead, buried, raised and ascended. The wisdom of Christ “entered their heart”, so they could be Jesus’ apostles. These fishermen, tax collectors, philosophers and rebels will preach, teach and evangelize. They won’t have to ask the Father for these gifts. He will give them everything they need. Their lives changed. Then the world changed.
     Living in Jesus’ resurrection power is God’s gift to you through the Helper. On that day you were saved, God’s life gift opened your heart and mind to ask and receive God’s presence. In the Spirit’s power we also ask the right questions about Jesus to gain understanding. We pay close attention to the answers. When the truth comes, you absorb what God says. With the Spirit’s help, the Son’s knowledge and the Father’s grace, you will have what you need to help a broken world heal.