Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
September 10, 2022
Read: John 17:20-26
20 “I’m not praying only for them but also for those who believe in me because of their word. 21 I pray they will be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. I pray that they also will be in us, so that the world will believe that you sent me. 22 I’ve given them the glory that you gave me so that they can be one just as we are one. 23 I’m in them and you are in me so that they will be made perfectly one. Then the world will know that you sent me and that you have loved them just as you loved me. 24 “Father, I want those you gave me to be with me where I am. Then they can see my glory, which you gave me because you loved me before the creation of the world. 25 “Righteous Father, even the world didn’t know you, but I’ve known you, and these believers know that you sent me. 26 I’ve made your name known to them and will continue to make it known so that your love for me will be in them, and I myself will be in them.
Good morning! For God so loved the world that he sent Jesus to save us!
Today’s passage is part of Jesus’ prayer to God just before his betrayal and crucifixion. John tells the story of how Jesus has gathered the disciples beginning in chapter 13 for a passover meal. We now know this event as the Last Supper. Over the next three chapters, Jesus is sharing what is coming with his disciples. Many of his words will not be understood by them until they are revealed as the events unfold.
In Chapter 17, Jesus prays to God on behalf of the disciples and all who have believed in him. The chapter begins with Jesus lifting his eyes to heaven. In this powerful prayer for all who believe, Jesus does not close his eyes and bow his head, he lifts his eyes upward. Jesus is asking to complete God’s glory. “My time is near” and I am ready. Jesus continues to call his followers to live life as he has taught: share the Word with all God’s children and to serve the weak and the hopeless so that they might find the light and love that awaits them.
Jesus continues the prayer reminding us that we are all of one body. As more children find their way to the light, the body will become more diverse. Welcome all who call upon my name so that they may find your glory through me. Jesus concludes this prayer asking that the love that he shares with God will be bestowed upon all who believe because without love, God’s love, God’s children will be lost. Through Jesus and the Holy Spirit, all believers are directly connected to God, our Creator and we are blessed with God’s love and mercy. 26 I’ve made your name known to them and will continue to make it known so that your love for me will be in them, and I myself will be in them. Praise be to God: the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. May we be strengthened by the love that lives among and within us.
Gracious God, Thank You for loving us. Thank you for our blessings. May we glorify Your name in everything we do. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: I am an important part of God’s unfolding story.
Saved and Redeemed through Christ! Pastor Liz
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