ESOCS Devotional 11 September 2022
TEXT: JOHN 16: 23-33
MEMORY VERSE: “And in that day you will ask Me nothing. Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you will ask the Father in My Name, He will give it to you.” JOHN 16: 23 IKJV
0 And the apostles, when they had returned, told Him all that they had done. Then He took them and went aside privately into a deserted place belonging to the city called Bethsaida. 11 But when the multitudes knew it, they followed Him; and He received them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who had need of healing. 12 When the day began to wear away, the twelve came and said to Him, “Send the multitude away, that they may go into the surrounding towns and country, and lodge and get provisions; for we are in a deserted lace ”
As rightly stated by Apostle James (James 5:16b), the wholehearted prayer of a righteous person produces wonderful results. A confirmation of this dates back to Elijah’s prayer in 1 Kings 17:1, which sealed off the rain for over 3 years. He was just human as we are.
In our text today, Jesus’ intention was that believers should pray faithfully to God, through the authority of His intercessory presence. (See Romans 8:34, 1 Timothy 2:5, Hebrews 7:25). By this statement, He reassured the disciples that He was continually with them through answers to their prayers (vs. 23). All that was required, was that they ask in faith.
However, faith is the foundation upon which prayers are answered. Therefore, those who pray to God, must have confidence that their prayers will be answered. They must have faith that He would grant them their requests. This goes to confirm that answers to prayers are dependent on the faith of the one who asks, for “the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” (James 5:16).
In this message, Jesus was reflecting on what drastic and critical conditions would befall the disciples, when He would be gone. He wanted them to understand how they would relate directly with the Father after His departure. Before now, they had everything without much struggle, because of His physical presence. But from now onwards, they would be dealing directly with God through prayers. This implies that they needed to build and strengthen their faith. Faith in God was the only means of their survival. However, He promised them of His total support and encouragement.
Child of God, be strong in faith, and believe God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Truly, Jesus is long gone, but in faith, we continually live in His presence. Don’t forget, this message can only be fully understood in the context of the cross and the resurrection. Moreover, in this Holy Spirit era, all truth will be revealed to believers through Him. It is now easier to pray to the Father through His guidance. Then the Father will hear and respond in love, even as we learn to keep His word (Acts 14:21). Keep praying in the Name of Jesus, and be rest assured of answers to your prayers.
CHALLENGES: If truly, whatever we ask the Father in Jesus Name, He will give to us, why do some people still turn aside to other gods?
PRAYER POINTS: Lord Jesus, you started with prayer, and in faith, you ended well with prayer, help me grow in faith. Amen.
Read Other ESOCS Devotional here
FURTHER READING: 2 Kings 4:8-37; Jeremiah 38: 1-13; Acts 27: 1-44.
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ESOCS Devotional 11 September 2022
