Wednesday, 6 December 2023

The Upper Room Discourse 53

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John 16:23-24 In that day, you will ask Me nothing. Amen, amen I tell you, whatever you ask the Father in My name, He will give you. Up to now, you have not asked for anything in My name. Ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be full.

No, this is not a typo. I didn't "forget" that I wrote on these same verses last time. They are so profound, that I can't resist saying more about them today. Whatever I have to say further about these verses, must include Yeshua's purpose for saying them, "That your joy may be full."

My youngest daughter, Jacquelyne, used to say, "Wanting isn't getting." Yeshua's promise to answer prayer must include this wisdom. With all due respect, God knows what we want and He knows what we need and they're not necessarily the same thing. Psalm 23 specifically states, Psalm 23:1 A psalm of David. Adonai is my shepherd, I shall not want. This thought is confirmed throughout the Scriptures.

Psalm 34:10-11 Fear Adonai, His kedoshim, For those who fear Him lack nothing. Young lions may lack, and go hungry, but those who seek Adonai want for no good thing.

We usually translate Jehovah Jirah (Yehovah Yireh in Hebrew) as "God is my provider," but the more accurate translation into English would be "God will see to it." I have good news ... God has promised to shepherd His flock.

Isaiah 40:11 Like a shepherd, He tends His flock. He gathers the lambs in His arms, carries them in his bosom, and gently guides nursing ewes.

The word "husband" means "to care for in a loving manner." God has always wanted to be our husband. Isaiah 54:5 For your Maker is your husband - Adonai-Tzva'ot is His Name - the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer. He will be called God of all the earth. It is we who have been unwilling. (See Matthew 23:37) God sent His Son to heal that wound once and for all time.

Romans 8:15-16 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall again into fear; rather, you received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry, "Abba! Father!" The Ruach Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.

God answers prayer! (True statement) His answers may not come as we expect. Our part, pray and seek His perspective as we trust The Good Shepherd. Joy is being satisfied in Him. Fullness of joy is the "Shalom" He alone promises in every situation of life.

More coming as time allows.