Today’s Reading: John 17:20-26

“May they all be one, as You, Father, are in Me and I am in You. May they also be one in Us, so the world may believe You sent Me.”

 

John 17:21

Reflection

Did you know that Jesus, at the Last Supper, prayed for you and me? Our Lord and Savior, in His goodness and sovereignty, foresaw all who would know come to know Him through the testimony of the Twelve. And just as He prayed for His disciples, Jesus prayed for us too. “I pray not only for these (the Twelve), but also for those who believe in Me through their message,” Jesus said to the Father. What did Jesus ask for when He prayed for us?

Jesus prayed that all believers in Him would be united in purpose and in Spirit, just as it was between Him and the Father. He desired for His people to reflect the Oneness of the Triune God which was especially seen through their relationship. Jesus wanted, and still wants, His Church to move and work together. But this unity would not just entail people working together. This unity would be brought about the Spirit, founded on the Love of Jesus and Faith in Jesus as the Christ. It would be a unity grown out of like-mindedness regarding His perfect Work on the Cross. It is Jesus’ desire for us to be not only a Church united with each other, but a Church united by Him. This unity of the Church, He says, would be the unity that would help people to believe in Him as the One the Father sent to the world.

People stand united for many different reasons, many of which are well and good. Likewise, the Church should remain united, but for only one Reason. Lord Jesus, let Your prayer unto the Father be so, that we as Your Church would stand together for no other purpose than because of our faith in You.

Prayer

I stand in awe of You Lord, for the great Love You’ve shown to me. I wonder at Your grace upon me, and Your unwavering faithfulness to bring about Your perfect work. Thank You for Your sovereign will, which has accounted for every second in the span of time You’ve designed. Thank You for receiving me into Your Church, Your Family. I am so grateful to be called Yours, and to have the blessing of serving You. Please, Lord, help us Your people to be evermore surrendered to Your Way. I pray all of these things in Jesus’ Name, AMEN.

 

Thru the Bible in a year (credit: Biblestudytools.com): John 17; 2 Chronicles 25; Psalm 82