READING: John 14-17
TEXTS AND APPLICATION: There is almost too much in these chapters to consider. From Jesus’ promise that He was going to prepare a place for His followers to His deeply-felt prayer on their behalf, these chapters ring with Jesus’ loving concern for His disciples. In essence, He was preparing them for what was to come.
Within His prayer for His followers in John 17 are these striking words: “Father, I desire those You have given Me to be with Me where I am. Then they will see My glory, which You have given Me because You loved Me before the world’s foundation” (John 17:24).
Think about these words. We so often talk about heaven in terms of what we will receive when we get there, like life everlasting. And heavenly reward. No more pain or death. Reunion with loved ones. And most of all, being with Jesus. Our minds simply cannot comprehend what God has in store for us.
But, this text is not about what I want in heaven; it’s about the request of Jesus. He wants us to be with Him. He wants us to behold His glory. He wants us to experience His presence.
I’m so unworthy, but He wants me to be with Him in heaven. Me, a sinner. Me, a rebel who has too many times lived in opposition to Him. Me, an ingrate who has received His love and given so little of it back to Him, it seems.
He wants me with Him. I can only stand in wonder and amazement. Or perhaps, only lie prone before Him. . . .
ACTION STEPS: Contemplate this truth throughout the day: the Son wants us to be with Him. That truth ought to give us strength today to live for Him.
PRAYER: “Lord, I am humbled again. Indeed, I don’t know what to say except ‘thank You.’”
TOMORROW’S READING: Matthew 27, Mark 15
