Join me my Sunday Message "A Delegated Authority." This is the next to the last message in the series, "Last Words, the Last Super Discourses in the Gospel of John."

In John 16: 23ff Jesus proclaimed, “In that day you will no longer ask me anything. I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete."

For my entire life I have heard preachers and laymen alike conclude their prayers with the words "In Jesus name." Indeed, we are instructed by the Master to present our petitions "in His Name" but is that supposed to be some tag line that ensures that God will hear us and we will then end up with the answer to our prayer that we desire? It seems that Jesus was talking about something much deeper and personal.

In ancient times, the name of the King or leader bore the “authority” and authenticity of his message as seen in the use of the “signet” ring. Whenever the Sovereign was sending out a message with orders or instructions or even that of affirmation or acclamation the impression of his name in wax upon the document gave validity and authenticity as to its origin.

When we pray "in Jesus Name" we are praying in His authority, a delegated authority that requires a relationship. There is no authority without identity. We must be His disciple and be in the process of taking up our cross dying to self and selfish ambition and becoming more like our Master moment by moment. Then and only then dare we ask the Father for anything, in Jesus' name. And by the way, for an example of how it can turn out poorly, check out how that worked out for the Seven Sons of Sceva in Acts 19.😄