Today’s Reading: John 17:13-21; Psalm 61

Jesus’ final prayer: “Now I am coming to you. I told them many things while I was with them in this world so they would be filled with my joy. I have given them your word. And the world hates them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. They do not belong to this world any more than I do. Make them holy by our truth; teach them your word, which is truth. Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world. And I give myself as a holy sacrifice for them so they can be made holy by your truth.” – John 17:13-19

Jesus purposefully revealed many things to his disciples while he was with them because he wanted them to be filled with his joy — the joy that comes from him. He gave them the words of God and taught them the truth that would make them holy. And in these final words of his prayer, Jesus prayed for God to protect them from this world they did not belong to.

“I don’t have much more time to talk to you, because the ruler of this world approaches. He has no power over me, but I will do what the Father requires of me, so that the world will know that I love the Father.” – John 14:30-31a

This statement Jesus had previously made to his disciples confirmed to them and to us that Jesus had authority over the enemy. He could have overpowered Satan’s attempts to destroy him. Death had no power over him, but he submitted to God’s plan in order that we could know how much God loves us, and so that we could experience that love firsthand. He who was without sin died so that we could receive the righteousness of God in our lives.

“The world’s sin is that it refuses to believe in me. Righteousness is available because I go to the Father, and you will see me no more. Judgment will come because the ruler of this world has already been judged.” – John 16:9-11

Judgment has already been rendered against Satan, but we are living in a time when our enemy is allowed to wreak havoc on this world we live in. As a result of that, our culture does not appreciate our faith and they mock the message of salvation that we hold so dear. We do not belong to the world, just as the disciples did not belong, and those who embrace the ideologies of this world hate that we won’t conform.

STAND TALL WHEN THE WORLD HATES YOU.

When I was 17 years old, I received a call from God into full-time ministry. I did not know at that time that my calling would be to those who are facing pregnancy decisions. The pregnancy help organization I have worked for since 2004 exists to provide a place for women to come to consider their options, ask questions, and learn of the support programs and resources available to them. This faith-based ministry provides a place for her to go that will not benefit financially from her decision — one that will operate with integrity, strive for excellence, and treat her with respect and compassion.

For years, the state of Illinois has gone to great lengths to close all pregnancy medical clinics that do not provide abortion. They have falsely accused us, misrepresented us, and created legislation to quiet us. Pro-choice leaders are even now actively striving to take away a woman’s right to go to a medical clinic that is not also an abortion provider. This week the Executive Committee of the Illinois Senate will consider legislation that will give the Attorney General the authority to financially cripple pregnancy help organizations in an effort to control us or close our doors.

What an encouragement the prayers of Jesus have been to me this week. What a beautiful reminder that I can stand confident in who God has called me to be, even when it causes the world to hate me. I can remain steady in God’s truth, experience the joy that comes from remaining in Christ, and allow God to receive the glory — no matter the outcome.

“I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. I pray that they will be one, just as you and I are one – as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.” – John 17:13-21

STAND TALL AND GIVE GOD GLORY IN EVERY SITUATION.

Jesus has called us to bring the message of God’s love to the world around us regardless of how they respond to that message. There will be times when our message is rejected or times when we are treated unfairly because of our faith, but it is okay because we do not belong to this world. Our eternal rewards will far outweigh any earthly praise and position we could attain here on earth. So let’s stand tall on the podium of life, giving God the glory in every situation. Whether we are receiving applause or criticism, congratulations or rejection, let’s stand in confidence for the One who PRAYED FOR US before he DIED FOR US.

Do not be surprised, my brother, if the world hates you. – 1 John 3:13

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. – 1 Peter 4:12-13

O God, listen to my cry!
Hear my prayer!
From the ends of the earth,
I cry to you for help
when my heart is overwhelmed.
Lead me to the towering rock of safety,
for you are my safe refuge,
a fortress where my enemies cannot reach me.
Let me live forever in your sanctuary,
safe beneath the shelter of your wings! — Psalm 61:1-4