John 15:7

NASB If you remain in Me, and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for. you

NLT But if you remain in me and my words remains in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted!

VOICE If you abide in Me and My voice abides you, anything you ask will come to pay
for you

Remain with Christ

To abide in Christ describes being in a continuous, close relationship with Jesus for it is vital for our spiritual life and fruitfulness. The words that Jesus teaches aren’t to be something that we just listen and learn about. They are something that needs to be lived out and honored. The words of Jesus give life to those that embrace them and transform those that live them out. To keep those words within us shows that we have a deep understanding of what those teachings represent and how we obey and apply them to our daily life. Jesus encourages us to ask whatever we wish to God. However, we must 1) have a close relationship with Jesus and 2) have a deep understanding of these teachings. The cultural context of the time focused heavily on a disciple’s alignment with their teacher’s teachings and mission. Our prayers are heard within the relationship of abiding. It’s not a blanket promise for any request, but it connects to our relationship with Christ and how aligned we are to His purpose. The historical context of Jesus’ ministry shows us that His miracles and teachings were always aligned with God’s will and plan. 

REFLECTION CHECKPOINT: Keeping a close relationship with Christ and understanding his teachings deeply to obey them were key precedents. Do you see yourself strong in both? Do you know you must work on one of these more?

Be in a Relationship With Christ

Let’s go into depth on the word “remain / abide.” This is the Greek word menó (meh’-no). In the Gospel stories, it often describes a literal residence or a continued presence. In the John 15 context it showcases two mindsets: mutual indwelling and fruitfulness. It describes a reciprocal covenant union based on grace and marked by trust and obedience. As a result, it creates lasting spiritual productivity (grows many spiritual fruits). The residence of Christ within us is going to be a continuous process. 

For us, it’s a reminder that we need to maintain a proper relationship with Christ. Much like we would communicate and sustain a relationship with our spouse, our family, or our friends – we need to keep a relationship with Christ. We need to understand what it means to create a relationship with Christ and honor our portion of the relationship, as well as understand the promises of what God will provide. We need to share our gratitude and thankfulness for all the positives that have happened to us. It’s a way to share in gratitude what God has done in us, for us, and through us to all the different parts of our lives. We see where God was present, both personally and communally. It’s a way for us to also recognize who God has placed in our lives and how we can honor their works and help with us too. We also share our hardships, stressors, anxiousness, and more. God meets us in suffering with compassion and guidance. God hurts when we hurt. God meets us where we are, comforts us where we are, guides us from where we are to where we need to be. He doesn’t punish or condemn, but His justice will overcome and take from those points to the points of where we need to be. All of this comes back to the focus of our devotional: remain in Christ, and Christ will remain in you. 

Create moments to understand His word. Find moments to converse with God. Worship with God through music and community. Eat, drink, and be merry. God’s relationship isn’t a rule-based relationship, but a faith-based one that allows us to be His reflection and creation to all that we meet. 

REFLECTION CHECKPOINT: How can you build your relationship with Christ today? 

Next slice of Manna: Our Confidence in Prayer || Manna for the Mind #362