Our Father Hears Us

Danae Friesen – Apprenticeship Coordinator

John 16:25-30

We tend to enjoy privileged access. We can flash a Costco card and gain access to more affordable produce, extra large cereal boxes and the $1.50 hot dog and drink deal. Or we can purchase a ticket for VIP seating or backstage passes. Relationships also provide special access. Children are able to gain their parent’s attention at almost any moment. Friends can cry on each other’s shoulder, but with strangers there is an expectation of distance.

As Jesus speaks to His disciples, we can imagine them trying to wrap their minds around all that He has been saying. Yet, how could they possibly grasp the significance of what was about to take place through the cross and resurrection? And still, Jesus speaks of these future realities:

“Though I have been speaking figuratively, a time is coming when I will no longer use this kind of language but will tell you plainly about my Father. In that day you will ask in my name. I am not saying that I will ask the Father on your behalf. No, the Father himself loves you because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. I came from the Father and entered the world; now I am leaving the world and going back to the Father.” John 16:25-28

Here, Jesus specifically articulates the reality of their new privileged access to the Father that He will gain for them through His coming triumph over sin: In the name of Jesus, they will have direct access to the Father because “the Father Himself loves you” (John 16:27). Through Christ, we too become children of God, able to have His attention at any given moment, to crawl up on His lap for comfort, to weep with confusion and receive the kindness of His discipline.

Father, we thank you that in Christ we have gained privileged access to you as our Father who loves us.

We know that our love for you and our belief in you is often fickle and weak. We approach you timidly and hesitantly at times, making the assumption that our sin could somehow lessen your love towards us. Forgive us for thinking less of your heart.

Father help us know the joy of speaking to you directly and may the joy of this privilege motivate us to come boldly and come often.