May 30 In Christ

John 17:912 “I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours. 10 All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them. 11 I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name — the name you gave me — so that they may be one as we are one. 12 While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me. None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled.”
 
JESUS’ ministry was empowered with prayer for the Jews and the world. He has taught us prayer is necessary for all circumstances. He has even commanded in Matthew 5:44-45 “But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.”
   Prayer helps us be unified as God’s people, regardless of the many things that separate us. Sometimes we pray for the world. Sometimes we pray specifically for one person or a particular group of people. This is what Jesus does here.
   Yes, Jesus is interceding, praying specifically for his disciples. As God has chosen them to be Jesus’ disciples, they have specific work to do on earth. In that work the disciples need God’s wisdom, power and protection as their Good Shepherd leaves them.
   This help will come from the Helper (Holy Spirit) in the name of the Lord God Almighty. This is the “I AM” God of creation. He is the one who protected the Hebrews in Egypt and freed them from bondage. I AM protected his people, despite their sins, in the desert wanderings. He protected them under his name as they were in Babylon’s exile. The Lord God protected his people and empowered them to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the city for God’s glory.
   Now the Lord God has called 12 men (Judas will be replaced) to build his church on earth. Jesus prays for them specifically because they will need God’s specific care and power to do their world-changing work.
   See how Jesus’ presence has protected these men. Remember that soon Jesus will be arrested. Peter will deny Jesus. Satan will sift the disciples in an effort to destroy their faith and break their relationship with the Son and Father.
   But Jesus prays against that. All that has happened to this point has been in God’s authority to do his will on earth. Jesus prays that will continue as the disciples come under God’s protective care.
   Learn from Jesus’ prayer. We must always be diligent to pray for the world at large. And we must be particular to pray for people we know. Pray for God to protect your loved ones. Pray protection for your country, your community and your church. Prayer is a mighty weapon against evil’s constant assaults.
   Pray, too, that your words and works will glorify God. What you say and do as Jesus’ disciple is very important to help your family, church, neighbors and even your enemies see Jesus. You glorify God when people see his magnificent love, grace and mercy through you. Be as one with the Son and Father. Display the Holy God to a world in need.
 
Prayer: Thank you, Father, for your protection in the saving arms of Jesus. I pray that each thing I do brings praise to your name. Amen.