Our Praying Savior
Today’s Verse:
I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine. ~John 17:9
John 17 is correctly called “the Lord’s Prayer.” This prayer was most likely prayed in the upper room after Jesus had finished speaking with the disciples. Though not recorded, it is very likely that our Lord may have stopped at different intervals to pray with and for the disciples. Our Lord embodied and modeled what true intercessory prayer should be. A key component in developing leaders is praying for them. Jesus prayed for His disciples constantly. However, we should note that our Lord is praying for us as well. He is our praying Savior.
We see the insulation.
“I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.” Jesus told Peter that He prayed that his faith would not fail, and that Satan would not sift him as wheat. Jesus prays for our spiritual safety. He prays that we will overcome Satan’s fiery darts by wearing the whole armor of God and by resisting him, steadfast in the faith. He prays that we will escape temptations by bearing with them. He prays that our faith is steadfast and unmovable. He prays that we will flee youthful lusts that come our way. He prays that we will stay alert and circumspect, so as not to become a spiritual casualty.
We see the indoctrination.
“Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” Jesus said, “I have given them thy word.” His prayer is that we are saturated with the Word of God. The Word of God is our offense and defense against Satan, sin, and false doctrine. God’s Word is all truth and is absolute. The Word of God cleanses us. We are to let the Word of Christ dwell in us richly in all wisdom. He prays that God’s Word will change us. As we look into the mirror of God’s Word, we are to remember what manner of man we see. This results in us being doers of the Word, and not hearers only. The sanctifying through the Word leads to our submission and obedience to it.
We see the influence.
“Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word.” Jesus is praying that we will have an effective witness for Him. He is praying for the sinners whom we can influence and lead to Christ. In His prayer, Jesus has a vision for each of us to have multiple generations of people saved through our influence and the influence of those whom Jesus trained to be His disciples to take the gospel message and preach it everywhere. We must remember that we are not to be stagnant when it comes to our witness and winning of souls. We must not be content with minimal to zero results, but, instead, go the extra mile in trying to win others to the Lord. He prays that we will return with rejoicing, bringing our sheaves with us.
We see the indivisible.
“That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.” He prays for our unity as a church. A fractured church is a failed church. A divided church is a declining church. A united church has synergy, sameness, spirituality, and satisfaction. It is a bad testimony to the world when a church is divided. Yes, Jesus prays earnestly and fervently for us. He prays that we are responsible, resolute, righteous, and experiencing fruitful results. Before you make a decision that could hinder your fellowship with the Lord, remember that He prays for you.
Have a faithful God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: 1Kings 12-14