Sometimes I get frustrated with myself and with the Body. There is a substantial gap between what we should be experiencing and the reality we live in. Often I wonder if my non-believing friends and family find anything attractive in my faith.
Yes, occasionally I get a glimpse of God working or of the Body making progress. But I want to see so much more: I want to see God reveal himself daily. I want to see signs and wonders. I want to see the Body of Christ in this land walking in his glory. I wish it was so OBVIOUS to everyone that God is real and working amongst us that the most die-hard atheist would repent and say, "Surely God is with them!"
But he is a "God who hides himself" (Isaiah 45:15), and for some reason he chooses to work through his imperfect servants. Jesus even promises that we will do greater deeds than he. So, why aren't we?
The passages above contain important points:
1. His power and authority are for disciples who respond to his call in obedience, taking risks in order to proclaim his kingdom and to heal. So, "whoever believes…" has a connotation of active faith, not of passive belief.
2. Asking "in his name" implies three things: (a) a request consistent with his character as embodied in his name. This requires knowing him well enough to ask for things he would want; (b) a request consistent with his will, which requires hearing his voice; and (c) a request on his behalf, which implies stewardship of his authority. This is similar to signing a document in someone's name, an act that requires specific legal authorization.
3. The intent must be to glorify the Father, which is the Son's primary purpose.
4. Though he unequivocally promises to fulfill the request, there is no indication regarding the TIMING of the answer.
5. This is not an optional "if you need something, ask." Rather, it is a commandment driven by love.
If we love Jesus, he commands us to know him, hear his voice, obey his call to preach and heal, and so fulfill our mandate to exercise his power and authority on earth in order to glorify the Father. Miracles will follow, but the timing belongs to him.
- 23 JULY -