Better Than Texting Jesus

Monday - September 6th

Scripture to Read Today: John 14:5-14

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And I will do whatever you ask in my name,

so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

You may ask me for anything in my name,

and I will do it.

John 14:13-14

Last week a mom emailed me about a sweet comment her preschool-age daughter made during my sermon. If you have heard me preach in the last year during a sermon online or on-campus at Calvary, you know that I mention texting the name "Jesus" to a number on the screen. As I talk about receiving Christ as Savior, I encourage folks to text the word "Jesus" so we can provide resources and follow up to those who have accepted Jesus. People receive a webpage link regarding the first steps in the Christian life, and then someone on our ministry team follows up with them personally during the week.

Here is what that mom shared with me (names changed to keep identities private):

"Pastor Shawn, I just wanted to pass along something funny my 4-year-old, Francie, said during the service yesterday. Typically she goes to her own class but asked if she could come with me. She danced and had her little arms raised during worship and enjoyed communion. Then, while you were teaching and you mentioned "texting the word Jesus…" she looked up at me with huge eyes and loudly whispered, "YOU CAN TEXT JESUS?!?!" 😂 Her little mind was blown!"

Well, Francie, you may not be able to "Text Jesus," but you can pray. And, prayer doesn't depend on a phone, cell towers, electricity, connectivity, or anything here on earth. So, not being able to text Jesus might appear to be negative at first. But, being able to talk directly to God in prayer blows away even the best benefits of being able to text Jesus.

Jesus told us that praying in His name was key to prayer and getting answers to our prayers. "And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it" (John 14:13-14). Our very access to God in direct prayer without a priest, a sacrifice, or a temple comes from the finished work of Christ on the cross. He gave us access to enter boldly into God's presence without any priest or sacrifice. He became our sacrifice, and He serves as our High Priest! We have access to God by prayer because of Christ (Hebrews 4:14-16).

Prayer access to God is better than being able to text Jesus!