JESUS SPEAKING
“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to my Father. And whatever you ask in my name, that I will do, that the Father be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in my name, I will do it” (John 14: 12-14.)
INSPIRED THOUGHTS
Jesus begins this scripture with a declarative statement, saying “most assuredly.” Perhaps a more modern translation is, ‘without a doubt;’ whatever the translation, the underlying meaning is ‘what I am about to say to you is unquestionably true.’ This declaration is however dependent upon the next statement he makes; “he who believes in me.” The focus of miraculous works does not come from human ability, but from a belief in Jesus Christ. He states that the faithful believers will not only do the works he had been doing, but that their works would exceed those he performed while on the earth.
Jesus was resurrected, and he ascended in to heaven, but his body remains upon the earth to this today. The tomb was empty and it still is; there are those who are searching tombs in Jerusalem hoping to find the eroded remains of a man named Jesus. They won’t find what they are looking for. If they were to take their eyes off looking for the living among the dead, they would see ‘the body of Christ’ working all around them. All those who call Jesus Christ their Lord are members of this body. There is a portion of the resurrected Lord in South America running an orphanage, and another portion is planting a church in a Muslim Nation. In Ghana, when a group of Christians dig a well and bring life giving water to a village that is dry, it is easy to see that Christ rose from the dead. When those who do not believe in God see the church bringing food and relief to Haiti, then they see His Son, working today in this world; all so that “the Father may be glorified in the Son.” When we pray to God, He uses His believers to accomplish His miracles; Jesus Christ gets the glory, and in turn, God is glorified. All power, all direction, and all good works come from the Father, and Jesus Christ, the head of our body who is seated in heaven at the right hand of God.
Trees are one of God’s most beautiful creations. A tree is made up of two parts really. The visible part, consisting of the trunk and the crown (with its tender leaves), and the roots which dig down deep in to the soil. Only half of a tree is visible to the human eye; interestingly enough, trees are not securely fastened in place by their branches, leaves, or trunks, no matter how beautiful they appear to be. They remain in place because of what exists beneath the earth. Nearly all trees absorb life sustaining water only through their roots, deep down, in places that are hidden from the human eye. Today, the body of Christ is made up of two parts just like the tree. I cannot see Jesus Christ as he sits at the right hand of God, much like I don’t see the roots of a tree as they anchor it and bring it life; but no tree can spread its branches and thrive unless what is unseen exists. Today, each person who has faith in the unseen, risen Lord, becomes a part of the visible, and very real body of Jesus Christ that wasn’t found in the tomb. The Son of God is the head of the body, directing us, speaking to us, moving us in the directions he wants us to go, so that he can continue doing his miracles in this place. Jesus says, “What ever you ask for in My name, that I will do.” “That I will do.” In another wonderful scripture Paul writes, “it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.” We, as Christians no longer live, as we lay down our lives so he can use us to complete his works in this place, and more powerful works than even those accomplished by Jesus when he was walking the earth as one individual. We today, are millions, and with so many believers there are so many more works that can be done, if we believe in him.
Today, if you have Faith in Jesus Christ you are a part of his body. And as a part of his body, all the good works that you do, he does through you. Jesus Christ, and God the Father, get the credit for the miracles and the healings; every orphanage built, every hospital constructed in his name, every life that is transformed, is a continuing work of Jesus Christ upon this earth. One way that we can practice this is to pray to him daily, and lift up our requests, no matter how small they seem, and no matter how large they seem. The God of the universe has made us a promise that if we ask we shall receive. So ask in expectation of receiving, and be mindful to ask according to His will, and you’ll find this scripture fulfilled in your life. Miracles will occur in you, and in the lives of those around you, as He uses you to do His work.
“Lord heavenly Father, we ask now in faith that You will give us more of Your Holy Spirit. Also, increase our faith, and bring us closer to You and Your Son. Father, we want to see Your Glory; we want to believe as little children, and we want to be members of Your Body, here in this place. Guide us, direct us, and use us, for Your Glory. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you.
Jesus Speaks 