"For Those Who Will Believe"

“I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me. Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world. O righteous Father, even though the world does not know you, I know you, and these know that you have sent me. I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.” (John 17:20-26 ESV)

Read John 17, all of it, at least once a week, and meditate on it. I say this because in this “The High Priestly Prayer,” Jesus reveals a great deal about Himself, the Trinity, and us, His children. These verses were selected to tell you, the believer, who you are, and you, the unbeliever, who you might become.

Initially, Jesus is praying for the 12 apostles on the night of His arrest and betrayal. In verse 20, Jesus extends His prayer to include you. Christ prays for our unity with Him. When we come to faith, we become one with Jesus. He becomes a part of us, and we a part of Him. He assures us that we are not only one with Him, but also with God the Father and the Holy Spirit. This union makes us a reflection of God to the world. Our dedication, obedience, love, mercy, and grace are given to a world which rejects us, just as it rejected and still rejects Christ.

Not only does Christ tell us that we are one with Him, but we are one with each other, brothers and sisters in the family of God, the living church. We are a living, breathing glorification of the Lord.  We are made one with God and each other to glorify Christ. It is our purpose, and it becomes our desire. In the satisfaction of our life in Christ, our fulfillment, our complete treasuring of Christ, God is most glorified.

Lastly, Jesus prays for our resurrection and ascension. That at our appointed time, we will be with Christ to be with Him in the flesh in all His glory and magnificence. To exchange our earthly body for a new, eternal, holy body, free of pain, illness, and deformity. Where we are free from tears, sadness, and need. Christ prays that all the elect will come to Him to share in His glory, which He gives to us.

In the last line of these verses, Christ says, I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.” Christ assures us that He will continue to reveal Himself to the lost and actively participate in the lives of those who believe in Him. “I will continue to make it known,” are words that most of us can affirm, “Yes, I am reminded of God and His love for me every day, in every aspect of my life.” We know this because of our unwavering faith in our Savior.

Do you know Christ? Does He live in you? Do you love Him? I mean, truly love Him at a depth that has become a part of your DNA? If you do not know Christ as your Savior, come to Him now. Ask for forgiveness for your sins and accept Christ as your Savior. This prayer He spoke tells you what awaits you.

Peace and Grace!