¹³ “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. ¹⁴ 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. ¹⁵ I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. ¹⁶ They do not belong to this world any more than I do. ¹⁷ Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth. ¹⁸ Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world. ¹⁹ And I give myself as a holy sacrifice for them so they can be made holy by your truth.

John 17:13-19

Dear God, thank you for not taking the disciples out of the world. Thank you for the work they did after Jesus’s resurrection and ascension. Thank you that you were able to take the hate the world had for them and use that hate to spread them throughout that part of the world and that those dominoes ultimately got knocked over until they reached my small life. I am here today because of the lives they lead. Thank you.

And I suppose it is my turn now. It is my turn to let my life be one that leads to others knowing you. I don’t feel like I am nearly as good at it as they are. Perhaps I’m too safe. I live in an area that is similar to the one where Jesus lived in that it is filled with a bunch of people who believe in you, but do not follow you in discipleship. They believe, but they are spiritually dead. It seems to me that the apostles were most effective when they went into the world beyond that area and lived among those who had never heard of you at all. I’ve thought about that before. What would it be like to live in a godless place on the west coast where they are hostile towards you? What would it be like to be salt in that environment? It feels like when I try to encourage believers into real discipleship here, it falls on deaf ears. There are times when it feels like I am making very little difference when it comes to introducing people to you and being part of deepening their relationships with you.

Father, you have not taken me out of this world. I am not home yet. Protect me from Satan. Make me holy your truth. By your word. Hold me close, and use me. Prepare hearts that will encounter me and help me to take you to them. And prepare my heart for those who you have to minister to me. Love me through others. Build your church in our community. Do it all for your glory and so that your kingdom will come and your will will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

I pray this in Jesus and with your Holy Spirit,

Amen