Hammer on Anvil '

Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete (John 16:24).

The little phrase "until now" in this Scripture overflows with hopeful anticipation.

Prior to Jesus' death, the only way to approach God was through priests, who made regular sacrifices on behalf of the people. Burnt offerings, grain offerings, peace offerings, sin offerings -- it was all very methodical. And somehow I suspect that not a lot of joy was involved.

Now, says Jesus, we can ask in His Name. Jesus' one-time sacrifice for our sins rendered priestly sacrifices no longer necessary. The veil of the Temple -- the huge dividing wall that separated people from the Holy of Holies -- was torn from top to bottom when Jesus died. Those who follow Jesus are now given full access to His presence. But what exactly does it mean to ask in His Name?

First let me say what it doesn't mean. It doesn't mean using the Name of Jesus as a magic incantation to get what we want. This privilege was not given so we can satisfy fleshly desires for wealth and status. Those who invoke the Name of Jesus to placate narcissistic desires may gain riches, but lose their own souls.

Oswald Chambers says asking in His Name means asking in His nature, and I think he's right. He is talking about an intimacy and oneness with Jesus that was not possible before:

"We live so much in the consciousness of God that we do not need to ask what His will is, because the thought of choosing any other will never occur to us. If we are saved and sanctified, God guides us by our ordinary choices, and if we are going to choose what He does not want, He will check, and we must heed."

Let us never forget that we approach God not based on our own merit, but because our great High Priest, Jesus, has made us acceptable to God. Glory to His Name!