March 30
JOHN 17
11 And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one. 12 While I was with them, I kept them in your name, which you have given me. I have guarded them, and not one of them has been lost except the son of destruction, that the Scripture might be fulfilled. 13 But now I am coming to you, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves. 14 I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 15 I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. 18 As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. 19 And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth. – John 17:11-19
JOHN 17 PURIFY THEM BY YOUR WORD
A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses
There is no other way to keep oneself free from evil
Only the word of truth is what will expose the devil
If you dwell and meditate on God’s word day and night
You will be purified and will discern what is not right
Those who do not receive and keep the word of God
They will be enslaved to follow the ways of the world.
Jesus continues his prayers for those who were chosen by God. He pleads with God to keep his own people pure because even though they are living in this world, they don’t really fit in it. They belong to the kingdom of God which is the total opposite of the systems of the world. The world follows the “selfish nature” where the self is the center of the universe. God’s kingdom is about “selflessness” and service. They are two opposing systems. The disciples were taught all the things that belong to God’s kingdom and it will be a challenge for them to be in the midst of worldly ways or systems. To preserve and purify them, Jesus asks God to keep them sanctified by his truth.
REFLECTION
• Why would it be hard for Christians to live holy lives if they don’t meditate on Gods’ word? What would be their challenges?
