Position In Christ

Position In Christ, Part 1. 

        John 14 vs 14, "If you ask anything in My name, I will do it".  NKJV

John 14:14 says, "If you ask anything in My name, I will do it." Simple, right? Just ask in Jesus' name, and it will be done! But here's the thing: Sometimes, it doesn’t feel like that’s the case. We pray, we ask, we believe, and yet, the answers don’t always come.

As a young believer, I was told that if my prayers weren't answered, they weren't in line with God's will. But there are situations where people are sick, and we lay hands on them for healing, but they don’t recover. Jesus promised in Mark 16:18, “They will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” So, what’s going on?

Here is a surprising truth: Simply saying “In Jesus' name” at the end of a prayer doesn’t guarantee answered prayers. I know that sounds wild, but let me explain.

When Jesus walked the earth, the name "Jesus" didn’t even exist. Back then, He was called “Yeshua,” which is the Hebrew name that translates to "Joshua" in English. The name "Jesus" comes from the Greek translation of Yeshua, “Iesous.” So, if we’re being literal, praying “In Jesus’ name” means praying “In Joshua's name.”

I know you’re probably thinking, What is this waffle about? But don’t worry, I’m not just throwing around random facts. Let me tie it all together.

Think of it like this: If I sent you to the store “in my name,” that would mean I’m sending you in my place. You represent me. You go there as if you were me.

Now, how does this apply to praying in Jesus’ name, as stated in John 14:14?

As believers, we are one with Christ—He lives in us, and we live in Him. Our position is "In Christ." Since Christ is the Son of God, being "in Christ" means we are also sons and daughters of God.  So, when we pray “In Jesus’ name,” it’s not just about saying the right words—it’s about understanding our position in Christ.

Acts 17:28 tells us, "For in Him we live and move and exist." NLT. Our whole existence is wrapped up in Christ.

Prayer is a LEGAL ACT - a form of petitioning the courts of heaven for divine intervention on earth. When we pray, we’re not just engaging in a religious ritual or asking for things; we are exercising our legal authority on earth as stated in Genesis 1:26 to call on heaven's help. Praying in Jesus’ name means Christ is representing and taking your place in the courts of heaven. He represents you as the sacrificial lamb to pay all legal dues and as a resurrected King with all power in heaven and on earth. 

So, here’s the key: Praying in Jesus’ name isn’t about the formula of words—it’s about knowing who you are in Christ. When you understand your identity as a son or daughter of God, you can approach God boldly in prayer, confident that you are His child, asking your Father for what you need.

Reflections: Let this truth sink in: It's not about the words you say; it’s about the power and authority that come from knowing your position in Christ. Once you grasp this, you’ll pray with boldness, knowing you have the full backing of heaven behind you.

Nelson McEwen