2 Samuel 18:19-19:10; John 21:1-14; Psalms 119:153-159; Proverbs 26:23

Psalms: “Consider my affliction and rescue me, for I have not forgotten your instruction. Champion my cause and redeem me; give me life as you promised. Salvation is far from the wicked because they do not study your statutes. Your compassions are many, Lord; give me life according to your judgments. My persecutors and foes are many. I have not turned from your decrees. I have seen the disloyal and feel disgust because they do not keep your word. Consider how I love your precepts; Lord, give me life according to your faithful love. The entirety of your word is truth, each of your righteous judgments endures forever.” (‭‭Psalms‬ ‭119:153-160‬ ‭CSB)

Three times in this stanza, the psalmist cried out to the Lord and said, “Give me life.” The Hebrew word ‘chayah’ means to restore to life… to revive. As he was surrounded by the wicked, as he was undergoing persecution, as he experienced disloyalty and grew disgusted by others rejection of God’s word, will, and ways; he cried out, “Revive me and give me life… rescue and redeem me from my affliction and revive me as You have promised… revive me, not because I deserve it, but because You are merciful and full of compassion… revive me because of Your faithful covenantal love toward me.” All of his pleas for revival were all based on God’s word: His promises, His judgements, His covenant… the entirety of His word. For us to not be overwhelmed and overcome by all the ails of this world, we need to be ongoingly revived and given life. For us to be revived and given life, we must remain faithful to God’s word… we must not forget His instructions, we must not turn from His decrees, we must continue to love His precepts. If we desire revival in our land, we must first be revived… and for us to be revived, we must be faithful to and lovingly obey God’s word, will, and ways.

2 Samuel 18:1-18; John 20:19-31; Psalms 119:137-152; Proverbs 26:21-22

NT: “When it was evening on that first day of the week, the disciples were gathered together with the doors locked because they feared the Jews. Jesus came, stood among them, and said to them, “Peace be with you.” Having said this, he showed them his hands and his side. So the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, I also send you.” After saying this, he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” But Thomas (called “Twin” ), one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came… A week later his disciples were indoors again, and Thomas was with them. Even though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and look at my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Don’t be faithless, but believe.” Thomas responded to him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said, “Because you have seen me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.” Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples that are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” (‭‭John‬ ‭20:19-24, 26-31‬ ‭CSB)

Both times that Jesus appeared to His disciples, He told them, “Peace be with you.” Peace (eirene in the Greek) is tranquility, harmony, safety, prosperity, and an exemption from turmoil. There is so much in this passage that underlies that message of peace. First of all, peace comes from being involved in the Father’s will. Jesus told His disciples (which is considered John’s portion of the great commission), “As the Father has sent me, I also send you.” The Father send Jesus the Son to 1) represent and bear witness to The Father, 2) reconcile lost people to The Father, and 3) glorify The Father. Jesus has sent us to do the same, and as we do that, we will have peace. Secondly, Jesus breathed on His disciples and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” Many people confuse this scene in the Bible with the baptism with the Holy Spirit. This is not the Baptism with the Holy Spirit. This is Jesus breathing to life His new creation. In Genesis 2:7, God breathed the breath of life into the man that He created, and the man became a living being. In Ezekiel 37, Ezekiel had a vision of a valley of dry bones that were brought together and formed into a massive army – but it wasn’t until the corpses received the breath of life that they came alive. Jesus, the Second Adam and the Son of God breathed the breath of life into His disciples and they came alive spiritually and were made new in Christ… they were the beginnings of a vast army of men and women who were once dead in their sins but are now alive in Christ. This new life in Christ brings the fullness of peace. Thirdly, Jesus instructed His disciples to forgive. He also said that if we do not forgive, then the unforgiven sins are retained… but retained by whom? They are retained by the one who refuses to forgive. For us to be at peace, we must be people that forgive. Then lastly, Jesus spoke to Thomas about believing. Everyone gives Thomas a bad rap, which is undeserved. None of the disciples believed that Jesus had risen until they saw Him. Thomas was the only disciple brave enough to be out and about while all the other disciples were locked away in fear. The disciples needed to see Jesus… they needed to be eyewitnesses… for our sakes. The claim that Jesus had risen bodily was such an outrageous claim, Thomas needed to see and touch Jesus himself to make sure it wasn’t just wishful thinking or merely an apparition of Jesus. When he saw and had the opportunity to touch, Thomas believed and He continued believing until he died a martyr’s death many years later, for spreading the gospel message and being a witness of Jesus’ resurrection all the way to India. By believing in Jesus and in His resurrection, we have peace. Then John, to nail that point home, explained the entire reason he wrote this gospel was so that we would believe and would find life in Jesus’ name. As Jesus said, Peace be with you.

2 Samuel 17:17-29; John 20:1-18; Psalm 119:129-136; Proverbs 26:20

NT: “On the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark. She saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. So she went running to Simon Peter and to the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said to them, “They’ve taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they’ve put him!” At that, Peter and the other disciple went out, heading for the tomb… The wrapping that had been on his head was not lying with the linen cloths but was folded up in a separate place by itself… But Mary stood outside the tomb, crying. As she was crying, she stooped to look into the tomb. She saw two angels in white sitting where Jesus’s body had been lying, one at the head and the other at the feet. They said to her, “Woman, why are you crying?” “Because they’ve taken away my Lord,” she told them, “and I don’t know where they’ve put him.” Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know it was Jesus. “Woman,” Jesus said to her, “why are you crying? Who is it that you’re seeking?” Supposing he was the gardener, she replied, “Sir, if you’ve carried him away, tell me where you’ve put him, and I will take him away.” Jesus said to her, “Mary.” Turning around, she said to him in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” — which means “Teacher.” “Don’t cling to me,” Jesus told her, “since I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and tell them that I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.”” (‭‭John‬ ‭20:1-3, 7, 11-17‬ ‭CSB)

Even though, multiple times, Jesus taught that He would rise again on the 3rd day, His disciples and followers were still blinded to that reality. Mary Magdalene, the first person to arrive at the empty tomb, instead of realizing that Jesus had risen, assumed that His body had been stolen. Peter and John, apparently didn’t know what to think… but they didn’t realize that He had risen either… even after seeing Jesus’ grave clothes neatly lying in place. Grave clothes were not a robe that could easily be removed. Grave clothes were strips of linen strips of cloth that were tightly wrapped around the dead body with spices in between the layers of cloth. If someone had stolen the body, they would have taken the body in the grave clothes… and if they had attempted to remove the grave clothes, it would have left a huge mess. The evidence clearly pointed that Jesus’ body was not stolen. Even after having angels appear to her, Mary was still convinced that Jesus’ body had been stolen. It wasn’t until Jesus spoke her name that her eyes were opened and she finally had the revelation that Jesus was alive.

Psalms: “Your decrees are wondrous; therefore I obey them. The revelation of your words brings light and gives understanding to the inexperienced. I open my mouth and pant because I long for your commands. Turn to me and be gracious to me, as is your practice toward those who love your name. Make my steps steady through your promise; don’t let any sin dominate me. Redeem me from human oppression, and I will keep your precepts. Make your face shine on your servant, and teach me your statutes. My eyes pour out streams of tears because people do not follow your instruction.” (‭‭Psalms‬ ‭119:129-136‬ ‭CSB)

As I read the psalmist’s description of God’s word, it challenges me. He wrote that the  decrees (testimonies) of God’s word that testify to Who He is were so wonderful that He was compelled to obey God’s laws. He then wrote that God’s words not only bring the revelation of God, but also bring light and understanding. So enthralled by God’s word was he, that he desperately longed for them like a thirsty man pants after water. He then ended this stanza by expressing the deep sadness that comes over him when people reject God’s words and don’t experience the wonder, revelation, light, and understanding that He experienced. Do I allow myself to stand in awe and wonder at the beauty of God’s word? Do I allow myself to be completely amazed time and time again at God as He reveals Himself by His word? Am I compelled to obey God’s word, will, and ways because of the life if gives me? Do I long desperately to be led by God’s word every day? Do I weep for those who choose to reject God’s word? I hope so… and to whatever degree that I don’t, I ask God (like the psalmist did) to be gracious to me like He always is for people who love His name.

2 Samuel 17:1-16; John 19:31-42; Psalms 119:121-128; Proverbs 26:18-19

NT: “Since it was the preparation day, the Jews did not want the bodies to remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a special day). They requested that Pilate have the men’s legs broken and that their bodies be taken away. So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first man and of the other one who had been crucified with him. When they came to Jesus, they did not break his legs since they saw that he was already dead. But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once blood and water came out. He who saw this has testified so that you also may believe. His testimony is true, and he knows he is telling the truth. For these things happened so that the Scripture would be fulfilled: Not one of his bones will be broken. Also, another Scripture says: They will look at the one they pierced.” (‭‭John‬ ‭19:31-37‬ ‭CSB)

As the Passover lambs had their necks slit and their blood poured out for the Passover offering, Jesus the Lamb of God, after enduring a scourging that left His body an unrecognizable bloody mess was nailed to a cross and hoisted up for all to see. There on the cross, He bled out and breathed His last. To make sure He was dead, the Roman soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and His remaining blood and pericardial fluid spilled to the ground. Through every last drop of His blood, Jesus, the Lamb of God, purchased our redemption from sin and delivered us from the oppression of hell.

Psalms: “I have done what is just and right; do not leave me to my oppressors. Guarantee your servant’s well-being; do not let the arrogant oppress me. My eyes grow weary looking for your salvation and for your righteous promise. Deal with your servant based on your faithful love; teach me your statutes. I am your servant; give me understanding so that I may know your decrees. It is time for the Lord to act, for they have violated your instruction. Since I love your commands more than gold, even the purest gold, I carefully follow all your precepts and hate every false way.” (‭‭Psalms‬ ‭119:121-128‬ ‭CSB)

During this election cycle, there has been a lot of fear mongering from both sides of the political spectrum… fears that if one party wins, the other party will be oppressed and stripped of their rights. No wonder there has been so much uneasiness and anxiety over the results of the election. I too, could have easily fallen prey to the fear, were it not for the guarantee I have in Christ through His word. The word that is translated in the CSB as ‘guarantee’ is translated in other versions of the Bible as ‘surety.’ Surety is a legal liability for the debt, default, or failure of another. That is exactly what Christ became for us through His death and resurrection… where we fail in overcoming the oppression of sin and the accusations of the powers of darkness, Jesus has taken on Himself the legal liability. We appropriate that surety through faith in Him and obedience to His enduring word. Over the millennia of human history, the powers of darkness through earthly political systems have tried time and time again to oppress and snuff out the guarantee of God’s word. Empires have risen and fallen… and standing through them all has been God’s faithfulness to His word. No matter what happens in this election cycle or in election cycles to come, as long as I remain faithful to the Lord and to His word, I have a guarantee of well-being from the One Who died for me, and rose again in victory.

2 Samuel 16:5-23; John 19:23-30; Psalms 119:113-120; Proverbs 26:17

Psalms: “I hate those who are double-minded, but I love your instruction. You are my shelter and my shield; I put my hope in your word. Depart from me, you evil ones, so that I may obey my God’s commands. Sustain me as you promised, and I will live; do not let me be ashamed of my hope. Sustain me so that I can be safe and always be concerned about your statutes. You reject all who stray from your statutes, for their deceit is a lie. You remove all the wicked on earth as if they were dross from metal; therefore, I love your decrees. I tremble in awe of you; I fear your judgments.” (‭‭Psalms‬ ‭119:113-120‬ ‭CSB)

As the Apostle Paul explained in Ephesians 6:12, our ultimate struggle is not against flesh and blood people, but against demonic authorities, the powers of darkness, evil, and spiritual forces. He went on to say that for that reason, we need to suit up with the armor of God. Every piece of God’s armor, whether it be truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, etc. – all are founded on the Word of God. In dark, angry, confusing, and uncertain times – like the ones we are living in today – more than ever, we need to be anchored to the word of God. It is our shelter and shield… it sustains us… and it gives us hope. It is able to keep us rooted in God and not be led away by deceit. If we tremble not for the times, but tremble in awe of God and respect His word, will, and ways; we will be kept safe.

2 Samuel 15:23-16:4; John 18:25-19:22; Psalms 119:105-112; Proverbs 26:13-16

NT: “Then Pilate went back into the headquarters, summoned Jesus, and said to him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” Jesus answered, “Are you asking this on your own, or have others told you about me? …My kingdom is not of this world,” said Jesus. “If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would fight, so that I wouldn’t be handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here.” “You are a king then?” Pilate asked. “You say that I’m a king,” Jesus replied. “I was born for this, and I have come into the world for this: to testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.” “What is truth?” said Pilate. After he had said this, he went out to the Jews again and told them, “I find no grounds for charging him.” …Then Pilate took Jesus and had him flogged… Pilate went outside again and said to them, “Look, I’m bringing him out to you to let you know I find no grounds for charging him.” “…We have a law,” the Jews replied to him, “and according to that law he ought to die, because he made himself the Son of God.” When Pilate heard this statement, he was more afraid than ever. He went back into the headquarters and asked Jesus, “Where are you from?” But Jesus did not give him an answer. So Pilate said to him, “Do you refuse to speak to me? Don’t you know that I have the authority to release you and the authority to crucify you?” “You would have no authority over me at all,” Jesus answered him, “if it hadn’t been given you from above. This is why the one who handed me over to you has the greater sin.” From that moment Pilate kept trying to release him. But the Jews shouted, “If you release this man, you are not Caesar’s friend. Anyone who makes himself a king opposes Caesar!” …It was the preparation day for the Passover, and it was about noon. Then he told the Jews, “Here is your king!” …Then he handed him over to be crucified. Then they took Jesus away… Pilate also had a sign made and put on the cross. It said: JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS.” (‭‭John‬ ‭18:33-34, 36-38; ‭19:1, 4, 7-12, 14, 16, 19‬ ‭CSB)

When Jesus stood trial before the Jewish religious leaders and Pilate, the accusations against Him were his claim to be a king and His claim to be the Son of God. The charge that the religious leaders brought before Pilate was Jesus’ claim to kingship. It was His kingship that was on trial. When Pilate asked Jesus if He was a king, Jesus responded, “It is as you say.” But then Jesus turned the question around to Pilate asking, “Do you wanting to know about my kingship? What kind of king do you think I am?” Jesus then affirmed His kingship and explained that His kingdom was not an earthly kingdom… and that He came to earth to testify to the truth of the Kingdom of God. Multiple times, Pilate declared that he found no grounds for charging Jesus… that He found Jesus innocent. But to appease the Jews, Jesus was sentenced to death by crucifixion. His “crime” was that He was the King of the Jews. Jesus was not found guilty of doing wrong… He was found guilty of being the long awaited Messiah the King of the Jews. The Day of Preparation was the day before the Sabbath of Passover. On that day, the lambs for the Passover feast were slaughtered. While the Passover lambs were being slaughtered to commemorated God’s deliverance of the Jews from captivity, Jesus the Lamb of God was being slaughtered on a cross to deliver all of mankind from sin.

Psalms: “Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path. I have solemnly sworn to keep your righteous judgments. I am severely afflicted; Lord, give me life according to your word. Lord, please accept my freewill offerings of praise, and teach me your judgments. My life is constantly in danger, yet I do not forget your instruction. The wicked have set a trap for me, but I have not wandered from your precepts. I have your decrees as a heritage forever; indeed, they are the joy of my heart. I am resolved to obey your statutes to the very end.” (‭‭Psalms‬ ‭119:105-112‬ ‭CSB)

This stanza of Psalm 119 is very well known because of the first verse, “Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path.” When everything around us is darkness, if we live our lives according to God’s word, we will not stumble, nor will we get lost. God’s Word lights up what is immediately around us so that we can clearly see the snares and pitfalls that could hinder our progress. It also shines a light ahead of us so that we can clearly see the path that we are to walk on. When I juxtapose the story of Jesus’ trial onto this section of Psalm 119, I see that Jesus was a fulfillment of this scripture. He lived His entire life according to God’s word… for He was the Word. He never did anything unless the Father was doing it… He never said anything unless the Father was saying it. All the while, the religious leaders around Him were in complete blinding darkness. When they tried to set traps for Jesus, He never faltered… He never twisted the truth… He never strayed from The Father’s word, will, and ways. Even though His very life was threatened, He was resolved to obey the Father’s words to the very end. And because of that, Jesus, Who was obedient even to death, has been glorified as the King above all kings.

2 Samuel 15:1-22; John 18:15-24; Psalms 119:97-104; Proverbs 26:9-12

Psalms: “How I love your instruction! It is my meditation all day long. Your command makes me wiser than my enemies, for it is always with me. I have more insight than all my teachers because your decrees are my meditation. I understand more than the elders because I obey your precepts. I have kept my feet from every evil path to follow your word. I have not turned from your judgments, for you yourself have instructed me. How sweet your word is to my taste — sweeter than honey in my mouth. I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore I hate every false way.” (‭‭Psalms‬ ‭119:97-104‬ ‭CSB)

The Bible is unique from all other books in many ways, but specifically in this way: to fully understand the truths in the book, you must be taught by the book’s Author. Sure, you can study the Bible and have an academic understanding of the book, but unless you have a relationship with the Author and an open heart and mind to be taught by the Author, you will never fully understand it. Our relationship to the Lord, the Bible’s “executive author,” is determined by how we relate to His will and His word. If we obey His will and treasure His word, then by His Holy Spirit, He will teach us His ways and open our understanding to the fullness of His word, His will, and His ways. In this stanza of Psalm 119, the psalmist describes how he allows the Lord to instruct him: 1) he meditates on God’s word, 2) he obeys God’s word, and 3) he enjoys God’s word. Just studying the Bible like you would a text book may give you an appreciation for the book, but it won’t give you a full understanding. We must also meditate on the truths of God’s word… pondering what we have learned… rolling it over and over in our minds until we fully grasp, understand and apply what we have learned. Beyond just knowing what the word of God says, we also must do what the word of God says… we must avoid what the God says is evil and we must do what God says is good and righteous. We must also grow to enjoy the word of God like we enjoy good food, and allow ourselves to develop a taste for God’s truth. If we are faithful in these things, the Lord, by His Holy Spirit, will instruct us and lead us into all truth.

2 Samuel 14:1-33; John 18:1-14; Psalms 119:89-96; Proverbs 26:6-8

NT: “After Jesus had said these things, he went out with his disciples across the Kidron Valley, where there was a garden, and he and his disciples went into it. Judas, who betrayed him, also knew the place, because Jesus often met there with his disciples. So Judas took a company of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and the Pharisees and came there with lanterns, torches, and weapons. Then Jesus, knowing everything that was about to happen to him, went out and said to them, “Who is it that you’re seeking?” “Jesus of Nazareth,” they answered. “I am he,” Jesus told them. Judas, who betrayed him, was also standing with them. When Jesus told them, “I am he,” they stepped back and fell to the ground. Then he asked them again, “Who is it that you’re seeking?” “Jesus of Nazareth,” they said. “I told you I am he,” Jesus replied. “So if you’re looking for me, let these men go.” Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it, struck the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. (The servant’s name was Malchus.) At that, Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword away! Am I not to drink the cup the Father has given me?”” (‭‭John‬ ‭18:1-8, 10-11‬ ‭CSB)

Throughout John’s gospel account, John brought special attention to The Word. In the beginning of his gospel, he spoke of The Word Who was with God and Who was God. Many of Jesus’ lessons had to do with hearing, obeying, and keeping His word. In Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer, He prayed for His disciples and followers to be sanctified (set apart and made holy) by the word of truth. The Bible teaches that all things that are, were made by the Word of God. God’s word has creative and life-giving power.  The Bible also teaches that all things are held together by the Word of God. It is the authority of God’s word that keeps creation from collapsing back into chaos. John also brought attention to seven I AM statements (spoken words) that Jesus made during His ministry… statements in which Jesus claimed to be God. God’s word has power and authority… and Jesus Christ is the Word of God incarnate. When the Judas and his company of armed soldiers met Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, they came face to face with the power and authority of God’s Word in the flesh. Jesus did not run and hide… He did not try to deceive the soldiers by pretending to be someone else. In complete control of the situation, He walked up to the arresting officers and said, “I AM He.” Those words had such power and authority behind them that the entire company of armed soldiers backed away and fell to the ground. Peter, thinking that the Lord needed defending, took out his sword and began acting like a rebellious zealot instead of a disciple of Christ. Jesus doesn’t need us to take up arms and rebelliously fight against earthly powers that stand against Him. Instead, He desires for us to place faith in and obey His word. Jesus’ life wasn’t taken from Him… He was not overpowered and forced to the cross. He humbled Himself and went willingly. Because of that, the powerful and authoritative word that Jesus had is now alive in us… not to dispel an armed company of soldiers, but to dispel the spiritual powers and principalities that war against us and the purposes of God. One day, Christ The Word of God will return, and out of His mouth will come a sharp sword (not a little sword like Peter’s) that will bring a final end to God’s enemies. Hallelujah! Thank you God, for Your Word.

Psalms: “Lord, your word is forever; it is firmly fixed in heaven. Your faithfulness is for all generations; you established the earth, and it stands firm. Your judgments stand firm today, for all things are your servants. If your instruction had not been my delight, I would have died in my affliction. I will never forget your precepts, for you have given me life through them. I am yours; save me, for I have studied your precepts. The wicked hope to destroy me, but I contemplate your decrees. I have seen a limit to all perfection, but your command is without limit.” (‭‭Psalms‬ ‭119:89-96‬ ‭CSB)

Satan, and all those who align with his purposes, are always scoffing at, sowing doubt in, and ultimately trying to dismantle and destroy God’s word. God’s Word, however, is forever fixed and settled. It cannot, nor will it ever be moved. The earth, and the very laws of nature that hold all created things together, were established by God’s word and will remain until the end of time. Therefore, when we affix ourselves to the Word of God, we will not be shaken, and will live in abundant life and peace.

2 Samuel 13:23-39; John 17:1-26; Psalms 119:81-88; Proverbs 26:3-5

NT: “Jesus spoke these things, looked up to heaven, and said, “Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son so that the Son may glorify you, since you gave him authority over all people, so that he may give eternal life to everyone you have given him. This is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and the one you have sent — Jesus Christ. I have glorified you on the earth by completing the work you gave me to do. Now, Father, glorify me in your presence with that glory I had with you before the world existed. I have revealed your name to the people you gave me from the world. They were yours, you gave them to me, and they have kept your word… I pray for them. I am not praying for the world but for those you have given me, because they are yours… I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by your name that you have given me, so that they may be one as we are one… I am not praying that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I also have sent them into the world… I pray not only for these, but also for those who believe in me through their word. May they all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us, so that the world may believe you sent me. I have given them the glory you have given me, so that they may be one as we are one. I am in them and you are in me, so that they may be made completely one, that the world may know you have sent me and have loved them as you have loved me… I made your name known to them and will continue to make it known, so that the love you have loved me with may be in them and I may be in them.”” (‭‭John‬ ‭17:1-6, 9, 11, 15-18, 20-23, 26‬ ‭CSB)

This is probably one of the most encouraging sections of the Gospel of John… to me at least. This is known as Jesus’ High Priestly prayer. This truly is the Lord’s prayer. The prayer that is known as the Lord’s Prayer is more aptly called the Disciple’s Prayer, for it was given to disciples of Jesus as a model. This particular prayer in John 17 is a prayer that Jesus actually prayed, and I imagine is very similar to the intercession that He continues to give as He is seated at the right hand of the Father. In this prayer, Jesus first prays for Himself, then for his remaining eleven disciples, and then finally for all who will come to place faith in Him in the future. Two major themes flow through this prayer: glory and unity. It is quite telling to see how much God’s revealed glory on earth relies on the unity of Jesus’ followers. God the Father answered Jesus’ prayer for Himself, for He has now been glorified above every other name and has returned to His throne at the right hand of the Father. Jesus said, “As you sent me into the world, I also have sent them into the world.” Jesus was sent to the world to reveal the Father and to glorify His name. Now we, His disciples, are here on earth and it is our commission to reveal God’s glory to the world The primary way we do that is by walking in unity: Unity with the Father through the Son, and unity with the body of Christ by grace through faith. Psalm 133 says, “How delightfully good it is when brothers live together in unity.” The psalm goes on to speak of a top-down blessing that flows from the highest heights to give life to all who are joined together in unity. That is exactly what Jesus prayed for all of us who claim to be His: as we are all joined together in unity with Him, and He is in unity with the Father, then the glory that the Father has given the Son is able to be displayed through all of us. God dwells in us as we walk in unity with one another and dwell unified in Christ. That also means that if we walk in discord and are not in unity with our brothers and sisters in Christ, then we cut off the flow of God’s life and glory into our lives. Brothers and Sisters… let us walk in unity and bring glory and honor to our Savior and our God.