John 17:20-26 v 24 “Father, I want those you have given to me to be with me, to be where I am.”
Just before Jesus was betrayed by Judas and arrested, he prayed, for Himself, his disciples, and the church. In this passage he asks that those that believe in Him will have unity with God and with Jesus and to show others this unity so that they too will believe. He asked “Father, I want those you have given to me to be with me, to be where I am.” “So that the love you have for me will be in them, and I will be in them.”
Unity is hard. Keeping a marriage together, a family together and a church. More examples of divisions can be found than unity. Watching the celebrations in the UK of a Queen who has spent her life living for others, all be it in very comfortable surroundings, we see the division in her family, but having been in a crowd celebrating a royal occasion I have experienced the love that is generated by the monarchy. The smiles and cheers for the road cleaners as they provide entertainment after spending the night on the side of the road waiting for the procession to pass, being close to a real royal carriage with a princess inside it is a special thing and appeals to the good side in all. We see the smiles on the Queens face as she waves from her balcony and is enjoying the family around her. The happy cheers of the crowd, for a few days enjoying companionship side to side with strangers.
So how would it feel to be close to Jesus? To be where He is?
Amazing, wonderful, joyful.
This world is full of false things to love, money, power, control. To find unity with Jesus and to want to be where he is, is the solution, because He wants to be there too. Right beside us, united in love.
Prayer: Thank you Father for sending us your son so that all who believe can be united in love. Amen.
CrossWalk 