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(Read John 17:9,10)
This morning we continue our series “Grace that is Simply Amazing” by continuing to teach on “Minimizing Your Humanity and Maximizing Your Divinity.” Last week I introduced you to what I consider to be the actual “Lord’s prayer.” It is a prayer Jesus prayed in John 17. We have covered the first eight verses. Today we will look at verses 9 and 10.
Jesus prayed, “My prayer is not for the world, but for those you have given me, because they belong to you. All who are mine belong to you, and you have given them to me, so they bring me glory.”
So what does this mean to you today? A few things.
1. Jesus was at peace with the fact that everyone was not going to accept Him. Jesus prayed, “My prayer is not for the world, but for those you have given me.” When Jesus said, “the world,” He was referring to those in the world who rejected Him. Jesus did not pray for them in this prayer. He prayed for His followers at the time, and for all those who would come later (you included). My point is that Jesus knew that there would be many who would not accept Him and He did not frustrate the grace on His life by worrying about it. Jesus simply focused on what He was called to do and we are to do the same.
2. You are not graced to reached everyone. If Jesus could not reach everyone, then please don’t make the mistake of thinking you can. Don’t spend unnecessary time and energy worrying about those you are not called to reach. God has plenty of called, anointed and appointed sons and daughters whom He can use for His glory and He can send them to do what you are not graced to do. There will be people who don’t like you, who won’t listen to you, and who will never follow you. Just lift them up to God and trust God to send someone to them whom they can honor, respect and follow. Just don’t lose sleep over the fact that it will not be you.
3. Jesus appreciated all those the Father had given Him. In His prayer Jesus said, “…those you have given me… they belong to you.” While you should not lose sleep over those you are not called to reach and impact, you should appreciate all those the Father has graced you to reach and impact. Remember, they belong to the Father. They acknowledge God as Lord, but if they also acknowledge you as a leader, appreciate the ‘right of passage’ they have given you to speak into their lives and never take advantage of it. Whether they are your children, your friends, those who come to you for mentorship, or those who work for you, respect the position they have given you in their lives and honor the Lord by making the deposit IN them you are graced to make. Pour into them what has been poured into you.
4. We get glory when those the Father has graced us to make an investment in grow and develop. In His prayer Jesus said, “All who are mine belong to you, and you have given them to me, so they bring me glory.” God called and graced you to make a difference in the earth. He then sends people to you, so that you can pour into them the truths that have been poured into you. And when those people grow and develop, they actually bring you glory. There is nothing wrong with that. Accept the glory and then deflect the glory right back to God. Let your prayer be like Jesus’ prayer, “Father, glorify me that I may glorify thee!”
Closing Confession: Father, I thank You for taking the time to teach me about Your grace through the life of Your Son. In Jesus I see the perfect example. In Jesus I see humanity completely submitted to divinity. In Jesus I see a man who knew what He was called to do, who was laser-focused on His assignment, and who understood the fact that He was not called or graced to reach everyone while He was in the earth. If Jesus could not reach everyone, I have to accept the fact that I won’t either. I embrace my assignment, I pursue my purpose, I know I am graced to reach certain people, and I also know some will not accept me or my leadership. So I don’t frustrate the grace on my life by worrying about those whom I am not called to reach. I don’t spend time or energy worrying about those who devalue or disrespect what I am called to do. I simply focus on my assignment, seeking to fulfill it by Your grace, thankful for all those You have given me, and I appreciate and honor them. I know they belong to You. Therefore, I will never mistreat those You have given me. I will pour into them what You have poured into me, and I will receive glory as I see them grow, develop and maximize their purpose and potential in the earth. I declare this by faith. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper.
