Pastor Chuck McKinney
Valley Christian Church
John 17:9: “I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those You have given Me, for they are Yours.”
Oh, how we see the love of Jesus in His prayer for His disciples! He repeatedly refers to them as a precious gift from God. Take a moment to read the entire chapter, especially verses 9 through 19. Jesus had carefully, prayerfully chosen these men. He had spent countless hours in intimate fellowship with them. He had taught them, trained them, prepared them, and now He was going to trust them with the responsibility of the salvation of mankind. This was to be a huge undertaking, but Jesus knew they were ready.
Jesus knew, too, that they would be severely tested. He knew they would face deprivation and rejection. He knew there would be resistance and persecution, so He poured out His heart in prayer for them. Are you surprised that Jesus did not pray for their prosperity, for their health, for their protection from an antagonistic world? No, He prayed for their unity; for their sanctification; for their strength of spirit; for their protection from their own weaknesses, so that they might have the full measure of His joy and that their lives might bring glory to God.
Jesus expanded His prayer to include you and me. His wonderful love was poured out in prayer for us, as well. He is still praying for us. We, too, are called to the ministry of reconciliation. And still today, His disciples face resistance and antagonism. How are you responding to this urgent responsibility?
What a good word on a day when the largest earthquake in the world for 100yrs hits Japan, “His wonderful love was poured out in prayer for us, as well. He is still praying for us.” Together we join in prayer – united and praying for healing,unity and protection for all threatened. Who will join in a prayer for these? Who will give thanks for the good we hear and experience?
I was thinking the same thing Art. “I pray for them”. How much better is it that HE is praying for the people of Japan today. The whole world is in his hands…even when it is shaking.
“Jesus knew they were ready” that line strikes me and comforts me. I am encouraged because in the same manner that Jesus’ prayer supported the preparation he had poured into the disciples, he prepares and supports us today.
He prayed for their unity; for their sanctification; for their strength of spirit; for their protection from their own weaknesses, so that they might have the full measure of His joy and that their lives might bring glory to God.
Oh, that I might be so blessed to have him love me so much! It is so difficult to live in this world without his embrace, to center oneself in Him……..I’m in need of His pouring into me.
A wonderful Word – thank you for encouraging us to read the whole chapter. It has strengthened my spirit, filled me with gratitude, and humbled me all at the same time. John 17:4, “I brought glory to You here on earth by completing the work You gave me to do.” Great truth to focus on today – I am to do the work God has given me. Amen
i am struck again by the sweet privilege of being trusted with the mission of reconciliation. I mean, God could have given us any mundane role, and yet He entrusts into the central mission of Jesus–to be conduits of this amazing reconciling power. It’s like having Michael Jordan ask us to be his partner in a game of two-on-two basketball. While he doesn’t really need me, the invitation itself is an honor, and my actual contribution, well, it just puts thing over the top. Thanks Chuck for the good word!