April 9
JOHN 17:20-23
“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that 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. 22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— 23 I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.
Jesus' last recorded prayer is found in John 17, and it reveals several specific areas that He valued most. One part of Jesus' prayer that always resonates with me is when He focuses on the future. Jesus knew that through His death and resurrection, the church would be established, and its purpose would be singular: to share the love and story of Jesus with everyone.
This is why we, as the church, must strive for unity. How we strive for unity within the church will be a powerful force outside the church drawing people to Jesus.
Let us love as Jesus loved. Let us work towards unity and commit to being a bright light in this dark world.
Remember, we carry the greatest message of hope, and it is one that must be shared with everyone.
(What is God telling you to do? Write it down!)
- PRAY -
Pause and pray. Pray over the Scripture and listen to what God is saying to you. Celebrate God's presence and hand your requests over to Him.
