In Jesus’ Name
- Brooke Singleton
- May 21, 2024
- 2 min read
“To act in the name of someone means to invoke the owner's authority and their will, rather than our own. To be an ambassador, if you will.”
“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
Our kiddos are hitting teen years now, but every now and then we still find ourselves reminding them, “God isn’t a vending machine, guys.”
“Jesus isn’t a genie, kiddo.”
“This isn’t the ‘__(insert child’s name)___’ show, pumpkin.”
It’s easy for our kids, and sometimes us adults, to distort the meaning of a verse like John 14:14 for our own benefit.
In fact, it’s more widely misinterpreted than interpreted well. But these verses mean something even greater to the follower than just getting what we want, even if it is noble or our deepest desire. You see, Jesus isn’t giving a blanket promise that He’ll do whatever we want. In the context of the whole chapter, He is offering reassurance to the disciples facing troubles, and to us in our own lives, a promise that those who truly seek to follow Jesus have an opportunity to do “greater works”, something exceptionally more valuable than anything we’d come up with on our own.
To act in the name of someone means to invoke the owner's authority and their will, rather than our own. To be an ambassador, if you will. So, to “ask in Jesus’ name” means to ask anything according to the character and will of God. It isn’t the right code to vend our favorite chips or the secret to rubbing the lamp, it’s a humble admission that our requests can only be heard through the blood of Jesus and not our own merit. And the promise that if we follow Jesus with a humble heart, faithfully carrying His name and mission, we can ask anything that aligns with His will and character, and it will be given to us.
So, dig in to the word, mommas. Find scripture to pray over your babies, no matter their age, and trust that the answers will be yes and amen, because God promises in Isaiah 55 that His word never returns to Him void.
Action Step:
Search for three scriptures that speak specifically to each one of your child’s needs, and your own! Write them on Post-Its to see around the house, or in your journal.
Purposefully, pray God's promises out loud.
Listen to “More Than Able” by Elevation Worship
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You that of all the things You could have been, You are love and faithfulness and power. Thank You for the sacrifice of Jesus that brings us new life. I pray that You would help me to get to know your character, so I can be your ambassador. Give me a humble heart that loves Your Word and Your name. Guide me to Your promises, that I can pray them with purpose. Thank You in advance for all the ways You will move! In Jesus’ beautiful name. Amen.
Written by Brooke, mom of 3