Joyful Commands

When I opened John Piper’s All that Jesus commanded; the Christian life according to the gospels (Crossway, 2006) what first caught my eye was a list of more than thirty books written by Piper. My “Wows!” were enriched by the writer’s assurance that he would speedily set out his aims and suggest effective ways of tackling the commands of the dozens of pages still ahead of us.

Most of all I hope you will pray as you read, writes Piper. Even if you are not accustomed to praying, ask God to protect you from any mistakes I may have made and to confirm to you what is true. 

In the end, what matters is the effect that God produces in our lives through His written word by His Spirit. That’s what makes prayer so crucial. In prayer we ask God to transform us in that way. Finally, says Piper, may the living Jesus fulfill the purpose of his word as we read: “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full” (John 15:11).

And how does Piper suggest we pray?

Be born again.

Love our enemies. (Lead them to the Truth.)

Abide in [God].

Listen to [God].

Follow [God].

Believe in [God] and love Him—with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength.

And when we respond with a pure heart we’ll be able to “rejoice and leap for joy” in the Christian life in which Jesus leads us.