Sometimes we tend to look at The Bible in sound bites. We love to find the uplifting verses that encourage us.
Even more, we love finding those verses that seem to prove exactly what we thought all along.
And if we can find something that seems like a sure fire formula for getting what we want, we are thrilled!
One of those verses taken by itself sure does sound like a way to get “the keys to the kingdom.”
Jesus said, “You may ask Me for anything in My Name and I will do it.”
John 14:14
This has led to millions of people signing off their prayers with, “In Jesus’ Name.” Some believe Jesus’ Name is like a password that will gain them entrance to the place where everything they want is kept.
But let’s look a little closer at something else Jesus said about the use of His Name.
“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord,’ will enter The Kingdom of Heaven, but only the one who does The Will of My Father Who is in Heaven.
“Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your Name, and in Your Name drive out demons and in Your Name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from Me, you evil doers!'”
Matthew 7:21-23
If you go to the bank and want to withdraw some money from Joe Smith’s account, you cannot just walk in and say, “I’m Joe Smith. Give me my money.” The bank will want verification that you are indeed Joe Smith.
If you cannot produce proof you are Joe Smith or have a legal right to transact business for Joe Smith, you will not get the money. Not only that, you may get arrested for trying to impersonate Joe Smith or steal his money.
We can pray with confidence, using Jesus’ Name when we are His. How are we identified as His? We are identified as His when we do The Will of Jesus and His Father God.
As we have discussed in previous posts, when we agree with God, He always agrees with us.
But if we are using God’s Name or Jesus’ Name for any purpose other than reverent worship, we are misusing Their Names.
Before you just tack on “In Jesus’ Name,” to your prayers, stop and feel His Presence. Let The Light of His Word wash over you, exposing anything that is not Him.
Pray as David The Psalmist did,
“Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.”
Psalm 51:10
When your spirit is in line with God, Jesus and The Holy Spirit, you will want what They want for you. And then you can ask Them for anything and feel assured it will be done.
“Seek His Kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well …. your Father has been pleased to give you The Kingdom.”
Luke 12:31-32
