John 15:7 — If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.
When we read Jesus’ words in this verse, our focus tends to shift to the end of the verse: “ask what you wish, and it will be done for you.” These words remind me of the story of Aladdin and the genie from the magic lamp who granted wishes. But God is not a spirit that is compelled to do the bidding of others.
Look at the beginning of Jesus’s statement: “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you.” What is important to the Lord is abiding. A disciple abided (lived) with his rabbi (teacher) to be taught from his words and his way of life. A disciple and his rabbi were connected through their daily relationship.
Jesus wanted His disciples to remain close to Him so that they could learn from Him continually. Jesus said, “Abide in Me,” not “Abide in my house” or “Abide in my classroom.” Jesus said that His disciples could find all the benefits of home in Him: food, safety, comfort, belonging, love, etc. In a spiritual sense, Jesus is all those things for those who draw close to Him.
Jesus also wanted His words of truth and grace to find a home in us. Jesus wanted His living words to live in us and give us His life. The Word of God renovates the rooms of our souls and makes the soul a fit habitation for the Holy Spirit.
When we draw near to Jesus and make our home in Him, and when His words of life abide in us, our wishes, our faith desires, will align with the heart of God. Because God “desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth,” He sent His Son into our world to save us (1 Timothy 2:4). What is your desire today?
12/24/2024 Devotional
" A disciple abided (lived) with his rabbi (teacher) to be taught from his words and his way of life. A disciple and his rabbi were connected through their daily relationship."
시편 143:8 RNKSV
[8] 내가 주님을 의지하니, 아침마다 주님의 변함없는 사랑의 말씀을 듣게 해주십시오. 내 영혼이 주님께 의지하니, 내가 가야 할 길을 알려 주십시오.
Psalms 143:8 NLT
[8] Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you.