Saints Philip and James, Apostles
1 Corinthians 15:1-8 | Psalm 18(19):2-5 | John 14:6-14
Whatever you ask for in my name I will do,
so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
If you ask for anything in my name,
I will do it.’ (John 14:13-14)
“Heavenly Father, in the name of your most precious Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, I ask for…ONE BILLION DOLLARS!!!”
<crickets>
You didn’t really believe that would work, did you?
✞ ✞ ✞ ✞ ✞
Let’s be frank. Just about every person on earth who professes to believe in God…harbours some doubt.
Perhaps we might not give voice to that doubt, but it invariably shows in our thoughts and actions, when we do what we know we mustn’t…and think we can get away with it.
That old lady who just hobbled into the crowded train? She can still walk, so she doesn’t need my seat, and besides Korean drama!
That %$#%^@$ idiot jumped my queue! Never mind, scold him chao %^$# ^%$ until he cry, then go confession later.
One billion dollars is nothing to God what! Don’t ask, sure never get, so must ask! If God don’t give, don’t give lor!
Making cavalier requests of God, and using His only Son’s name as a “magic key” to unlock His largesse, is literally “taking the Lord’s name in vain”. That we might even consider doing so points to our doubting what we claim to be our faith.
So how should we ask God for a billion dollars?
Jesus Himself showed us the way in the depths of His agony, praying to God in the Garden of Gethsemane:
‘My Father,’ he said ‘if it is possible, let this cup pass me by. Nevertheless, let it be as you, not I, would have it.’ (Matthew 26:39)
This passage suggests that:
- we should have a proper plan for whatever we ask—frivolous requests need not apply
- the plan should be in accordance with God’s will—using that billion dollars to build a golden church probably doesn’t qualify, even if it’s in His name
- we should nevertheless submit to His will in the end—perhaps He doesn’t think we are the right persons to be receiving that billion dollars for proselytism’s sake
And now to get that billion dollars out of my head (it’s a sticky thought, to be sure)…
Heavenly Father, in the name of Jesus, your Son, our Lord and Saviour, I ask only that You point me in the direction you wish me to go, and grant me whatever I need to do Your will. For everything else, I thank You, and praise You, and glorify You. Amen.