City Life Starter

Written by Blesson Selvanesan

The Word

²² So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you. ²³ In that day you will ask nothing of me. Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. 24 Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.

Interpretation

Jesus revealed a lot of new information for His disciples in the final few days of His life. Here, we see Jesus revealing to them what is going to happen in the future and how they are going to benefit from this. Jesus told then plainly that He is going to leave them and go to his heavenly Father and His mission in flesh is about to come to an end. His disciples were desponded and confused.

Jesus also told them that they all will be hunted, and they will have days of terror and sorrow. But Jesus promised them that the tables will turn soon, and they will witness a new beginning and a new power. Just like an expecting mother longs for the child to arrive and see the child’s face despite having to go through the near death experience to deliver the child, so His disciples will long to see Jesus’s face despite all the difficulties that they will encounter for being Jesus’ followers.

Jesus also promised them a new way to reach God the Father, Through him! This is crucial, as He promised an open access to power and wisdom from above. All of them can now have the same connection that Jesus himself had with His Father. He challenged them to ask and see.

Application

Jesus is the only way to heaven. There is no other way and Jesus himself talked about this. He opened the door for his disciples and for all of us. Even during difficult times, heavenly joy is just a call away in Jesus’ Name. Sadness can turn to gladness by calling the name of the Lord. Heaven’s gates are open wide for now. He did not promise a life without difficulties, but in our difficulties, His joy will be abundant, His presence will lead, and His promises will comfort. Access to God is open to all mankind through Jesus. Try asking.

Sorrow and difficulties are part of life and a believer will encounter more so. However, Jesus has promised us comfort and joy. The same power that Jesus had when He was in the flesh, is available to all of us from the Father through Jesus. His power is all we need to live a righteous and blameless life. Ask and you shall receive, ask for God’s presence in our life, that’s all we will ever need to lead a fruitful and fulfilling life. Trust in the Lord and his promises, turn around will happen.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you for giving Jesus, our source of joy. Thanks for opening wide the gates of heaven and access to the Father. Help us to ask and receive. Let us walk in your joy and comfort. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.