The resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ would change everything.  When Jesus was with them, they listened to Him teaching the crowds and then asked Him for the meaning when they were by themselves (Mark 4:10).  Every question they asked, Jesus answered.  Now Jesus was preparing the trainee apostles for their new life after His death and resurrection.  In those days, Jesus would not be physically present all the time.  In the 40 days before His ascension, He would appear to reassure them that He would be alive for evermore.  But He would also disappear, getting them used to His absence but still confident that He had not deserted them (Luke 24:28-32).

Initially, they were frightened, fearing that they would be left alone, but Jesus promised that they would receive the Holy Spirit who would be with them for ever (John 14:16-18).  He would be their teacher, reminding them of what Jesus had said and completing their understanding.  After the Holy Spirit was given, they were bold and confident of Christ's presence with them (Acts 4:13).

Also, after the resurrection and ascension they were authorised to approach Father God directly.  Their authority was from Jesus, to ask the Father 'in Jesus' Name' (John 15:16).  That was not a mystical formula to get God's cooperation.  It described their submission to Jesus as their Lord and Saviour.  Their new Jesus-mediated relationship with Father God would bring answers from heaven, and also bring joy to their hearts.  They would not be alone: Jesus and Father God would make their home in the heart of every believer (John 14:23).  Wherever they went, the powerful presence of the Holy Trinity would govern and guide them in such a way that they would experience great joy (John 17:13).   

That is still true today.  Every born-again child of God has the right to approach Father God through the sacrifice of Jesus.  We should have confidence that Father God will respond to our cries (1 John 5:14) in such a way that will bring us great joy.  As with every loving relationship, joy validates our confidence in the other person.  That is how it should be with us and Father God.  F B Meyer, the British pastor and evangelist of over 100 years ago, said that ‘joy is peace when it is dancing, and peace is joy when it is resting’.  Every heart which is satisfied in relationship with God will be at peace; and, when stirred by God’s wonderful interventions, will overflow with joy.  Jesus urged His disciples to ask, seek and knock – expecting a good response from God (Matthew 7:7).  Asking in the Name of Jesus, in line with His will and missionary purpose, will bring His answer.  Yet many believers are reluctant to ask.  Some feel that they are not good enough to ask – and they are right because nobody is good enough.  But that is why we can only ask in the Name of Jesus who has paid for, and forgiven, our sins and made us children of the Father.  Whatever your reason for reluctance, be obedient and ask the Father in the Name of Jesus, submitting yourself to serve Him.  And then see what the Lord will do – wait in peace and receive with joy.