Jesus’ plan was never to redeem us and immediately take us out of the world. Salvation had three components. Justification, sanctification and glorification. His sacrifice brought justification. Our return to heaven will bring glorification. But, the act of being transformed into the image of God–sanctification, that is a process.
Jesus knew that the disciples would have to face the world and all the ickiness it holds. So, His prayer was simply that the father protect them from the enemy. The spiritual war they were engaged in was fierce. They gave up life, family and prosperity to follow the Lord. But, in the midst, the Lord walked with them and worked through them to change the world.
Today, it is no different. The battle rages, the chosen are being sanctified and God through His spirit still protects, guides and prepares us for what lies ahead. Even in these dark hours, we can cling to the prayers of our Lord. We need not give up, nor lose hope that he is with us and will guide us.
We are loved and chosen to remain with God for eternity. Let’s follow Him humbly and graciously as He gets us there.
God Bless You
“I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them.
I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world.
My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.
They are not of the world, even as I am not of it.
Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.
As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.
For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.
Walking With God 