Our scripture text for today speaks to what He was praying for, raising of those who would do exactly what the Father sent Him to do, make the Father known to others!
John 17:6-8, 18, 26a (NLT)—I have revealed you to the ones you gave me from this world. They were always yours. You gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now they know that everything I have is a gift from you, for I have passed on to them the message you gave me. They accepted it and know that I came from you, and they believe you sent me… Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world…I have revealed you to them, and I will continue to do so.
If we fail to grasp this, answers to the other three questions will elude us. Key to grasping the assignment is the repeated statements regarding the disciples not being of this world. A Kingdom (His Kingdom) view, mindset and focus is fundamental and central to being of same mind as Paul later declares.
Romans 12:16 (TPT)—Live happily together in a spirit of harmony and be as mindful of another’s worth as you are your own. Don’t live with a lofty mind-set, thinking you are too important to serve others, but be willing to do menial tasks and identify with those who are humble minded. Don’t be smug or even think for a moment that you know it all.
Romans 15:5-7 (TPT)—Now may God, the source of great endurance and comfort, grace you with unity among yourselves, which flows from your relationship with Jesus, the Anointed One. Then, with a unanimous rush of passion, you will with one voice glorify God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. You will bring God glory when you accept and welcome one another as partners, just as the Anointed One has fully accepted you and received you as his partner.
- Philippians 2:2
- Philippians 3:16
- Philippians 4:2
- 1 Peter 3:8
- 1 Corinthians 1:10
- 2 Corinthians 3:11
Please take the time to savour each of these verses to attain the apostles’ understanding that believers must develop a mutuality, recognizing that we are one another’s support system in a hostile world in which we are pilgrims.
Believers’ present adulterous affair with this world makes this realization impossible. The Lord was focusing us on Luke 11:2b (AMPC)—Your kingdom come. Your will be done [held holy and revered] on earth as it is in heaven).
Until we return to this, we cannot be one with one another, neither with Him and the Father. Can we be one with one another and with Him and the Father? Certainly, if we return to His way, not ours nor the world’s! Selah
Pastor Afolabi Oladele
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