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Daily Devotion: John 17:15-17

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John 17:15-17    "I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.  (16)  They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.  (17)  Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth."

Have you ever felt like running away from everything?   My Daddy always wanted to find a cabin back in the woods somewhere and just live there.  I think most of us have those feelings from time to time. Even Jesus had a moment when He said to His disciples,  "... Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat." (Mark 6:31) But when you read all the account of Mark where Jesus took His disciples to that quiet place, there came a multitude to them. What did Jesus do?  He healed them, He taught them, and He fed them. He made a difference in their lives.

Now Jesus is praying to the Father, "Do not take them (my disciples) out of the world, but keep them from the evil."  Early in His public ministry, Jesus said we are the "salt of the earth."  Where does salt accomplish its purpose?  In the shaker? or when applied to the food?  He also said we are the "light of the world." Where does a candle do the most good? In the sunlight? or in the darkness?   Jesus never intended for His people to remove themselves into some corner and physically separate ourselves from society. Yes, we want to at times, but it is only when we walk as Christians in this world that we could ever do any good as far as changing things.

"Do all things without murmurings and disputings: (15) That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; (16) Holding forth the word of life..." (Philippians 2:14-16)  Where did Paul instruct us to shine?  "...in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation."  It was said of Paul and Silas when they went to Thessalonica, "These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also." (Acts 17:6) It seems to me that we, as Christians, have the most opportune time to shine and add flavor to this nation. Why would we want to "fall off the grid", when God has placed us where we are to shine for Him?

Jesus prayed for His disciples and for you and me, "Don't take them out of the world. Strengthen them. Equip them. Protect them. They are not of this world, even though they are in the world. Set them apart. Place a difference in them. Strengthen them to stand upon the Word of God, no matter what happens."

Would you not agree that is a good prayer for you and me today?  Lord, help us to make a difference. Help  us to be the light in this crooked and perverse nation. Help us to be salt in an unsavory society. Lord, please use me to get glory unto yourself.

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