Abiding and Asking

In my previous column I wrote about my college roommate and the impact that John 15 had on him as he wrote a long paper on it. It occurred to me that he might like to read what I had written. I was able to track down what I hoped was a current email address for him and sent it off. A few days later I was thrilled to get a reply and life update from him. That led to a Zoom call shortly after that. Upon seeing one another, we agreed that neither of us had changed a bit since the 1980s. Perhaps the only difference was our honesty.

Not only had our looks and lives changed with many blessings (he and his wife had just welcomed their eighth grandchild), but we also shared burdens and concerns. The most impactful for me was the fact that he had kidney cancer a few years back and had a kidney removed. The hope was that cancer would not be an issue after that. That is not the case. He continues to undergo treatment – and pray. I am now praying for my old pal too.

We now approach some interesting contrasting verses regarding dead branches and prayer in the lives of living, abiding branches. My friend with cancer has been praying in new ways since his cancer news. He is very familiar with these verses. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples (John 15:6-8).

In light of verse 2 and other similar passages, we can view these branches that are thrown into the fire as ones who are not true believers. Those who do not continue to abide or remain in Christ should be seen as those who were never really connected. Perhaps they heard the gospel and had an emotional response of some sort but ultimately were not sincere or surrendered. A dead branch cannot produce leaves or fruit. They are judged for their lack of fruit. The sad reality is that there are churches around the world that may have people attending services who are not remaining in the Savior. It is not possible to lose one’s salvation. It is possible, however, to proclaim or pretend to be a Christian and be proven to a withered branch. There is no real connection to the Vine.

The very next verse sounds like an amazing perk for those remaining in Christ. It must be interpreted correctly and in light of other important principles on the subject of prayer. Ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you! Lord, I would like a long lost relative to leave me a fortune in their will. I want my sons to have perfect grades and behaviors in college until they graduate. I am asking that my wrinkles and excess weight disappear this week. I request that my wife make me three-course meals nightly, followed by a one hour massage. On behalf of my college brother, I ask that his body be whole again. You promised, Lord!

To begin with, praying well and correctly involves knowing and believing the teachings of our Lord in whom we abide. I will address Jesus’ prayer in Gethsemane in the future when we look at chapter 17. Luke 22:42 is vital to understand. “Not my will, but yours be done.” I have heard people passionately pray with strong faith. Yet they are praying for what they want. There is nothing wrong with that. Why would we not ask God for what we want? We are told to do so. However, we must remember the Lord’s will. He knows what we need. I read a prayer online that a friend from another theological persuasion posted. She was praying for a young leukemia patient who was losing his battle with the disease. She proclaimed to know that God wanted the man to be healed. The lady claimed healing in Jesus’ name and confidence that it would happen. Dozens, if not hundreds of people saw her sincere prayer. Within a month, the man was in heaven. She asked. It was not done for her or the many others who were praying for his healing.

Jesus also said something similar about prayer in John 14:13-14. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask for anything in my name, and I will do it. I am sure every person of faith reading these words has asked God for many things in Jesus’ name and is either still waiting for God to do it or have perceived that He was said “no.” We wrestle with that. Praying in Jesus’ name reflects abiding in Him and being surrendered to His will. Our desires must be consistent with His purposes. That will mean we will not ask for just anything. Even the death of a loved one that we are praying for or walking through tragedy and disease can result in fruitfulness and impact for the Lord’s kingdom. When I remain in Christ and His words my prayers will be aimed at bringing Him glory. Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth (Matthew 6:10).

It is possible that most followers of Jesus need to rethink not only the words we pray but the motives behind them. The more closely one is connected to Jesus the more our prayers will be aligned with the will and ways of God. He is not a genie in a bottle that exists for our comfort. God is, however, a loving Father who does what is ultimately best for His children. And when his children think, pray, and live in such a way that we are surrendered to his desires, we will bear much fruit. Is that not the purpose of being connected to the Vine? Let us keep abiding and asking.