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Mar 20, 2022

Scripture Reading: John 16:16-24

In light of His impending death, Jesus continues to encourage His apostles (and us) in this passage.  Here Jesus promises His own joy and answers to prayer.  Referring to His death and resurrection (and ministry beyond His earthly life) Jesus says, "You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy . . . and no one will take your joy from you" (Jn 16:20,22).

The source of this joy is the presence of Jesus Himself.  "So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again and your hearts will rejoice" (Jn 16:22).  The deepest root of joy in the human heart is the person and presence of the Creator of the human heart.

We are actually commanded to find our joy in God.  "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say rejoice" (Phil 4:4).  It is not even logically possible that any source of joy would be better than to truly know the Maker of heaven and earth.  And this joy is an experience that abides and is unassailable by any outside force or person.

Jesus also promises that God will answer our prayers.  "Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you" (Jn 16:23).  Of course this does not mean that God is obligated to answer any request regardless of whether God is honored or not.  But God will answer all prayer that is offered in the Name of Christ, which is prayer that is for the honor of God.  This is a great encouragement for us to make our requests made known to Him.