In the first reading we see God encourage Paul to keep preaching the Gospel and not be silent. God said: I am with you, and no one will attack you to hurt you; for I have many people in this city. (Acts 18:10) Paul obeyed the Lord and spent 18 months in Corinth teaching the Word of God.
Paul taught the people in Corinth all the benefits of the New Covenant but the self-righteous Jews who followed the Old Covenant found it hard to comprehend. (1 Corinthians 2:14) They all rose up against Paul and accused him by saying: This fellow persuades men to worship God contrary to the law.” (Acts 18:13).
A man of God once said: If the self righteous people in the Church do not rise up against you like they did when Paul preached, there is something wrong with what you are preaching.
One of the benefits of the New Covenant is seen in today's Gospel reading. Jesus said: “And in that day you will ask Me nothing. Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you. (John 16:23) What a magnificent statement for Jesus to make! He said that in the New Covenant you will not pray to Me but to the Father directly in My Name.
To approach God in the Name of Jesus means that you are not approaching God based on who you are in the flesh but based on who Jesus is and what He accomplished on the Cross of Calvary. When we go to God in the Name of Jesus we are approaching God with all the rights and privileges that Jesus has. When we take the Name of Jesus, it is as though Jesus Himself is approaching God. This should encourage you to run to God in the Name of Jesus when you are tempted or overcome by sin and not run away from Him. (Hebrews 4:16)
Paul taught in his letter to the Hebrews: Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, and having a High Priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. (Hebrews 10:19-22)
Paul encouraged believers to enter the Holiest with boldness by putting their faith in the blood of Jesus i.e. the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. I pray that you will see through today's readings that God has put everything you need within you in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17) to approach God with all boldness. God does not want you to approach Him through intercessors. He wants to have an intimate personal relationship with you. Truly, He has given you the Name of His Son Jesus so that you can approach Him with all boldness. (John 16:23-24) (John 16:26-27)
Also read: Old Covenant Vs. New Covenant
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