Scripture
“Father I don't ask that you take my followers out of this world, but keep them safe from the Evil One.”
Observation
In this prayer, Jesus is concerned for the safety of his followers. He prays that we will be kept safe form the evil one- not taken out of the world but preserved through it.
He prays that we will share in His joy. On the eve of His crucifixion we may marvel that Jesus can speak of joy.
Joy comes ultimately from our relationship with God and the certainty of eternal life- not from our temporal circumstances.
Application
Many people in this world, including many christians, do not understand that God's purposes are for eternity and not just for this life. We get upset when life doesn't go the way we expect. We forget or fail to see that God is using these things to prepare us for eternity.
We are like little children who refuse to take medicine because of the taste, not understanding that a moment of unpleasantness will make our bodies work better.
Soul medicine is hard to take. But we need to take the long view.
Jesus is still protecting us from the evil one, saving us through the trials of this life so we can emerge safely into eternity.
Prayer
Lord too often I am so wrapped up in this life that I fail to dee your eternal purposes. Please give me the long-term vision and the confidence that you will lead me through this life. Amen.
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