Jesus' attention now turns to His disciples. He is getting ready to pass the mantle of His work onto the shoulders of these few disciples who have faithfully believed, followed and obeyed Him. The task will be arduous. The hatred from the "world" will be palpable. As we read this portion of Jesus' prayer ... notice the things for which he prays ... the things that are of utmost importance to Him as He intercedes for His followers ... notice!
And as we look at these 1st priority things from Jesus ... who would be your "disciples"? Whom do you intercede in prayer for? Is it your children? What about your spouse? Other family members? Close friends? Have those dear ones in your mind as you listen to Jesus pray ...
He prays for their protection from the evil one. This world system is in the hands of the evil one. That is the source of hatred and violence, of destruction and pain. It also is the source of temptation and destructive pleasures. Jesus knew that His followers did not belong here ... His followers today do not belong here either. We must live here and work here ... but we do not belong here. We will suffer direct attacks from the evil one as we focus on living to bring glory to God - living to do His work in this world. While under attack ... Jesus prays for your protection!
Jesus prays that they will know the full measure of His joy! In the midst of the battle ... they can know the joy that is life in Christ. This joy is deep within the soul of a person. It does not depend on circumstances. It is not pain-free or problem-free. But it is settled. It cannot be taken from the one that anchors her soul in the life of Christ. Jesus' joy is what enabled Him to do what He had to do. Jesus' joy gave Him the strength to walk where He had to walk. And He wants His followers to know that joy ... to experience it and to feel it. So He prays ... Jesus prays for you to know the fullness of His joy!
And Jesus prays for their holiness ... and for our holiness. The process of sanctification is intimately wrapped up in life in the Spirit. The process of sanctification is intimately wrapped up in the Truth ... found in His Word. I am so thankful to God for you and your desire to know Truth ... that is what keeps you in Bible study. It is the desire to know Truth that keeps you starting over even when you fail to be consistent yet again! Believe me ... I know the 'start over' syndrome! But remember ... holiness, sanctification is a process that will last your entire life time. When you accept Christ as your Lord, when you bow your knee to Him in obedience ... you are declared "holy" by the blood of Jesus. Now ... your life is a process to become what God has declared you to be. It is a miracle ... of astronomical proportions! Jesus wants that for you ... He prays for you to become truly sanctified.
Amazing ... now, it's our turn. Those individuals I asked you to bring to mind when we began this day's study ... pray for them ... intercede for them today ... but use Jesus' priorities ...
- protect them from the evil one
- fill them with joy deep in their spirits
- sanctify them in Your truth ... give them a desire to know You and Your Word
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