Scripture Verses
John 17:20-26 (NIV)
Jesus Prays for All Believers
20"My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: 23I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. 24"Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world. 25"Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. 26I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them."
Devotion
As I read this, I am reminded of how Jesus longs for us all to be one and to share His message of God’s love. Jesus wasn’t just satisfied with God’s love reaching a few disciples. His love was abundant and He prayed that future believers would be one with Him. Jesus was praying for you and me, and for our neighbors today. He prayed that we “would be brought to complete unity to let the world know…”
There are times when the world does see us unified through events. Perhaps it is our weekly visit to church, our time and commitments to community involvement, the fundraisers we sign up to volunteer our efforts. These are clear, concrete and worthy ways we seek to serve, and for the world to see our love for Jesus. When these events are fulfilled, how do we continue to reflect the love of God and demonstrate our oneness with Him?
I think of it as “ordinary” discipleship. It is indeed our daily routines, communication, and efforts that touch the masses but we sometimes forget this in the hustle and bustle of daily life and responsibilities. Are we patient during inconveniences? Are we kind even if we are “swamped” with work? Are we thoughtful of others when our schedule seems too loaded to think of anyone else? Do we praise God openly when we are happy? Are we kind when disagreements make it difficult?
What better way to spread the message of Jesus than to be disciples in our ordinary moments. It sounds so simple, but we know how easy it is to put our focus on other “things” once the alarm clock goes off in the morning. Maybe we start by asking ourselves each day “How will my love of Jesus be demonstrated to others today in order to glorify God?”
Prayer
Dear God,
May we open our hearts to you daily so that our ordinary words and ordinary actions will glorify you and touch the lives of all whom we encounter each day.
In Jesus name we pray,
Amen.
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