COOKIES IN THE NAME OF JESUS
Paul Harvey told the story of a three-year-old boy who went shopping with his mom and spied a box of chocolate chip cookies. He asked for some, but his mom immediately squelched his request. He continued pleading and finally the mother said, “I told you ‘no.’ Now don't ask again.”
The little boy had one strategy left: appeal to a higher authority. Sensing this might be his last chance, he stood on the seat and shouted, “In the name of Jesus, may I have some chocolate chip cookies?” Everyone in the checkout lanes laughed and applauded. What do you think happened? The other shoppers pitched in and the lad left the store with twenty-three boxes of chocolate chip cookies. (Paul Harvey broadcast, “Pray ‘Till You Get Cookies”)
There’s actually a Biblical basis for this lad’s request. In John 14:13 Jesus promises, “I will do whatever you ask in my name." That's a comforting verse, but it also raises questions. Will God give us everything we ask for, with no restrictions, as long as we invoke His name? I hope not. If God gave me everything I asked for, I'd probably be dead by now. I don't know what's best for me nearly as well as I think I do.
We can abuse this promise by turning God into a personal genie, expecting Him to grant every whim simply because we've attached Jesus' name to our request. Praying “in Jesus' name” isn't a magic password. It means bringing our requests under His authority and trusting His wisdom. First John 5:14 qualifies this promise. “If we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.” God’s answers always conform to His will.
But let’s not rush too quickly into explaining what Jesus doesn't mean. What is He teaching? He’s inviting us to ask. God isn’t annoyed by our requests. Ask boldly. Ask with expectation. Ask in faith. God just might provide you with twenty-three boxes of chocolate chip cookies.
PONDER:
In what ways do you find yourself not being as bold in your requests to God as you could?
What steps can you take to increase your intimacy and boldness with the Lord?
PURSUE: For a deeper dive, read and meditate on John 14:1-21.
Lord Jesus, thank you for the boldness you extend to me in prayer. Draw me closer to you so I can sense your heart and be unafraid to ask you for anything in your will.
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Photo courtesy of La Farm Bakery