Mike’s Musings ….
In Jesus’ Name
When we pray, we often hear at the close of our petitions, “In Jesus' Name.” This is in concurrence with Colossians 3:17 where, by inspiration, Paul tells us, “Whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him.” However, I muse as to how many truly understand WHAT WE ARE SAYING, when we close a prayer, “In Jesus’ name.”
The phrase means, “by His authority.” Eleven passages of the New Testament use the phrase, and in each, the understanding is “by the authority of Jesus Christ.” Note that Jesus Himself said, “All power (i.e., authority) in heaven and earth is given unto Me.” (Matthew 28:18). Additionally, He said His Father, Jehovah, gave Him the authority to execute all judgment (John 5:27). Since Jehovah made Him the head over all things to the church (Ephesians 1:22 – 23) and preeminence (Colossians 1:18), we clearly see His authority as King of Kings, Lord of Lords (1 Timothy 6:15; Revelation 17:14). Because of His rule over us, and because we can do nothing without His authority, our prayers are offered “in Jesus’ name,” i.e., “by His authority.”
We must understand our petitions are NOT made according to OUR will, that is, by OUR insistence upon the fulfillment of the request! John writes, “If we ask any thing according to His will, he heareth us” (1 John 5:14 emp. mjd). Even Jesus Himself, when praying to His Father, said, “O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt.” (Matthew 26:39) God the Father lost no authority when He gave all authority in heaven and earth to His only begotten Son (1 Corinthians 15:27). Therefore, petitioning God the Father through the name of Jesus (i.e., by His [Jesus’] authority) is precisely HOW we are to let our requests be made know to God (Philippians 4:6).
Prayer is not repeating scripture to God: He wrote it! Prayer is not an oration made to be heard of men (see Matthew 6: 5 – 8). With Jesus as our intercessor (Romans 8:34) and our mediator (1 Timothy 2:5), we approach the throne of God by the authority of Jesus! We need His authority to speak to God the Father, and therefore we should rejoice that Jesus is our Intercessor and Mediator as well as our Advocate (1 John 2: 1). After all, our lives as Christians are no longer ours but His (Galatians 2:20; Colossians 3: 1- 17). I muse on how wonderful it is to know we are subject to Him and through His authority, can speak often and frankly with our Father in heaven! That is love for my soul, as by His authority, my needs are met completely!