"I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me. Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world. O righteous Father! The world has not known You, but I have known You; and these have known that You sent Me. And I have declared to them Your name, and will declare it, that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them." John 17:20-26
Jesus was never interested in a casual relationship with those of us who are called by His name. The relationship that He desires, that which He asks of the Father, is much more than a once a week connection. It’s much more than a monthly communion remembrance. And it’s much more than the fulfillment of an annual obligation. Jesus desires a deep abiding relationship…us in Him and Him in us. The key word of His prayer is so simple and yet so significant. It’s the word, ‘in’. So easy to overlook, this ‘in’ speaks of oneness and intimacy. His desire to be ‘in’ us explains why we’re instructed to consume the elements that represent His body and blood. We remember what He accomplished on the cross by taking Him ‘in’ us.
This idea of oneness and intimacy is also displayed through the relationship between a husband and his wife. Ephesians 5:31-32 says, ‘“and the two shall become one flesh.” This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church.’
In so many ways, our Lord expresses His love for us and His desire to be one with us, to be ‘in’ us. His love for us is above and beyond what we could ever deserve. This love amazes me! John goes on to say in 1 John 4:13 that we can know if we’re rightly related to Christ by the evidence of His Spirit.
‘By this we know that we abide in Him, and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit’.
The oneness that we could never accomplish on our own, He does in us! Again, this love amazes me!
My faith, as small as it sometimes seems, is what makes me accepted into this beloved relationship. To simply believe (John 6:29) in One who so readily gives evidence of Himself, is such a small step that yields such a great reward. And by my faith and through my life, He reveals Himself to others who are in need of this great love.
Beloved, you are greatly loved. You are, have been, and will be the ‘apple of His eye’. It’s not something you deserve, it’s something He desires! Walk in this love in such a way that others may know Him. That they may walk together with us in Him and Him in us!
Be blessed!
