In Jesus' Name. Really?

Scenario 1: Little Brother walks up to Big Brother and says with authority: "Go clean your room." Big Brother begins to pound on Little Brother.

Scenario 2: Little Brother walks up to Big Brother and says with authority: "Daddy says, Go clean your room." Big Brother begins to clean his room.

What's the difference? In Scenario 2, Little Brother spoke "in the name of Daddy." When we pray in the name of Jesus, we are going to the Father and saying, "God, Your Son would like you to... [request goes here]."

Now, what if Little Brother goes to Big Brother and says, "Daddy says clean your room," but Daddy never said that? He actually misrepresented the name of Daddy. Do you think we ever say, "In Jesus name I pray" when the reality is that Jesus would not have requested what we requested? Does it happen that we say, Father God, Jesus, Your Son, asks that you would do such and such a thing, and the Father looks over at Jesus, and He's saying, No I don't! But, I think that is what happens when we pray for something that God doesn't want, and we tack on at the end, "In Jesus Name I pray."

Now, if Jesus is in agreement, then we can be sure that the Father will be quick to answer the request of His Son! He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, How shall He not, with Him, freely give us all things!

So, my charge for the day, Make sure that Jesus is in agreement with your prayers before you tell the Fater that He is, by claiming His name on it.

Now, if I can pass this same understanding and challenge to the kids at AWANA tonight, we'll be all set!

Just a thought.