Know, Grow, Show. Reflections From John 15Chikamu

DAY 11 - BLANK CONDITIONAL CHEQUE 

Verse 7 “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish and it will be given to you. This is to my Father’s glory that you bear much fruit showing yourselves to be my disciples”
 

What a bold statement! Jesus is throwing us a challenge. He almost is giving us a blank cheque. It has a ’but’ attached to it. It is not a trick. It is plain and simple. We need to stick close to Him. His word and instructions need to be deeply ingrained in our minds and brandished upon our hearts. He has so much confidence in the life-giving and transforming power of His word and presence; he knows that it will produce the good fruit of a Godly character in us. 

When we think, feel, talk, behave like Him, we will also have the same desires as Him. We will ask for and advocate for things that are on His heart. We will have become one with Him in heart and mind just like he is one with the Father and only does what He sees that Father doing. 

Jesus knows that when we are fully abiding with Him, we will be fully united with Him in heart and purpose therefore will only ask for things that are on his heart too. Whatever is on the heart of Jesus is on the Father’s heart as well. Therefore, He knows that those kinds of requests will be answered.

When we ask in this manner, we will bring his kingdom culture on earth as it is in heaven. When His will is done on earth, it brings glory to the Father. When our lives display the culture of the Kingdom people will see that we belong to Jesus. Our character will be the fruit that people will see. Our lives will speak. This is such a provocation and a challenge.

It is a good challenge actually. All we need to do is allow his words to take root in our hearts. 

Jesus keeps reminding us that He is the main vine, we are the branches. He is our life source. The vine is very good. We can trust Him. So if I am a branch attached to the vine it makes sense that I cannot but bear good fruit. He will feed and nourish me from the abundance of His storehouse. If I am getting all my nutrients from what He is providing for me through His presence and His Word, the fruit in my life will be good and in abundance. What an exciting way to live!

REFLECT AND ASK YOURSELF| 

What can I do to stay close to Jesus? Maybe listen to some messages on who is Jesus? Put on some worship that exalts Jesus. 

Have you seen answers to prayer? Would you like to see some more? How can you align your heart and mind to know His will?