Nuggets from "An Urgent Call to a Serious Faith" by Dave Hunt - Is Jesus' name an "open Sesame"?

Nuggets from “An Urgent Call to a Serious Faith” by Dave Hunt – Is Jesus’ Name an “Open Sesame”?

Jesus said, “Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it to you” (John:16:23And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.
See All...). Is this like “Open Sesame?” Obviously, to ask in Christ’s name must mean more than just speaking out His name like a magic password for getting what we want. The ambassador who represents the United States in a foreign country has the right to use America’s name and authority but not for his own ends. The business manager representing a multimillionaire has power of attorney that gives him the right to use his employer’s name, even to sign contracts and large checks. However, any use of the other’s name is to be in the interest and for the benefit of that one, not for the benefit of his subordinate agent.

It would be fraud for the employee to enrich himself through the use of his employer’s name. Yet would-be Christians by the millions imagine that they can use the name of Jesus to their own ends. To ask in the name of Jesus is to ask as Jesus would ask, in fulfillment of the Father’s will and to His glory. Who would want it otherwise, except an egomaniac so ignorant of his own selfishness and folly as to imagine that he could manage the universe better than God!

Of course, the God whom we petition cannot be a stranger (it would be folly to trust a stranger) or One from whom we are alienated. He must be One whom we know and with whom we have a right relationship. True faith, as Jesus taught it, comes from knowing God and trusting Him. Indeed, faith itself is a gift from God, which He bestows on those who desire to know and do His will. To seek an answer to prayer that is contrary to God’s will would be rank rebellion.