S) "22 The glory which You have given Me I have given to them, that they may be one, just as We are one; 23 I in them and You in Me, that they may be perfected in unity, so that the world may know that You sent Me, and loved them, even as You have loved Me."
John 17:22-23 (NASB)
O) Jesus was praying a finally blessing for His disciples, and not only the eleven that were with Him, but those who would later believe (v.20). A huge point of emphasis is made about unity. This shouldn't really be a surprise, as unity between believers is brought up throughout the New Testament. But, in this particular passage, Jesus compares that unity with the same unity He shares with the Father. This is no light comparison. And, to almost further His point, He actually gives us at least one reason this is so important. Just as His unity with the Father was central to the gospel message, Jesus says this unity between believers is so that the world will know that Jesus was sent by the Father.
A) This passage, like John 13:35, is another illustration of two important things I must keep in mind. First, is that evangelism is less often about a convincing speech or canvassing a neighborhood. More often than not, being an effective witness for Christ is about relationship. As a person gets to know me, that person will see me loving others as Christ loved them. Likewise, as a person gets to know me, that person will see my unity with my brothers and sisters in Christ, and that will show them the truth that the Father sent Jesus, and the Father loves His children, even as He loved Christ. Second, this passage reminds me (again, just as John 13:35 and others), that my love, my unity, my life, it's all about the glory of God. Furthermore, that is not an abstract concept, but a practical and purposeful plan. Effectively glorifying God means more people will recognize Him, and more people will come to know Him. Living my life to the glory of God means that I am actively promoting His will, which is that none should perish, but all would come to repentance.
P) Father, to You be all glory, God. You are worthy of devotion, worship, and servitude. Let me be more conscious, more deliberate with my life, that I would be intent on glorifying You with my actions, with my words, with my lifestyle. Forgive me, because far too often I am living my life without acknowledging Your glory. I confess that too often, I am doing what pleases me, without giving consideration to whether or not my choice is glorifying You. Help me to be more aware, and quite frankly, to be more bold in order that You would receive more glory. Help me effectively lead my wife, and lead my kids, to keep our family culture about Your glory. You are the best thing that ever happened to me, God. I am fully convinced that there is nothing better than to be in a growing relationship with You. To that end, I want my life to reflect Your glory, that more people would come to know You as I do, or else to know You even better. Let that be my happy goal. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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