September 12 - Love Before Foundations

John 17:20-26

Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world. (John 17:24 ESV)

Before you were born God loved you. Before the difficulty you are facing cropped up in your life. Before you had your current job and present relationships.

Before the world was, God knew your name. He knew your need. He cared for you deeply.

There is something to be said for the incredible sovereignty of God. His power and plan stretches across history in either direction. Before the furthest flicker of ancient beginnings God already existed. After the last anything on this Earth, God will exist. He has been there, seen those moments, and lived them—and He has loved you throughout all of them.

September 11 - In Truth

John 17:10-19

Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. (John 17:17 ESV)

Is truth objective? Is it subjective? Does it change based on the situation and individual? Is it constant regardless of circumstances?

People have been arguing about the nature of truth for a long long long time. Philosophers, theologians, and various other thinkers have defined and redefined their take on truth numerous times over the years. That's not to say they're right, or even close. But the general consensus is that truth is personal, flexible, and private—which is false.

Jesus prayed his high priestly prayer and included a lengthy bit about the disciples and what he hoped for them. He asked God to "sanctify them in the truth." A singular declarative statement which narrows truth down to something more pointed than the generalities and vagueness our modern era passes for truth.

Jesus went on to define truth. He said that truth is God's Word. In other words, Jesus believed that the Bible, for him it was the Old Testament, was the truth that God would use to redeem, changed encouragement and instruct his people. I am encouraged to know that Jesus saw our need for centralized truth. I am even more encouraged to find that he had prepared that truth before those men were ever even born.

And here is the big idea for you and I. Jesus wants us to be sanctified, cleaned, and set apart, through the careful reading and application of the Bible. Because it is not enough to think we know truth. No, we need to be in truth.

September 10 - Now They Know

John 17:6-9

Now they know that everything that you have given me is from you. (John 17:7 ESV)

Jesus lived out a life of demonstrative teaching. Everything he did and said was an intentional part of his leading and guiding his followers into a closer relationship with him. All of it was designed to draw them closer to Christ and closer to the Father.

I think a good question we can ask ourselves is "what do people know about God by looking at my life?" The possible answers to that question say a lot about how we are going through this life. It says a lot about how we are communicating Christ to those around us.

Jesus wants you and I to be his messenger. As the disciples learned to look to the Father through the Son, so will people look to the Son through those he has saved. So, think about the people in your life. Because of you, what do they now know?

September 9 - Having Accomplished

John 17:1-5

I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do. (John 17:4 ESV)

Knowing you have accomplished a great task is incredibly fulfilling. There is not quite anything like it. When I was growing up on the farm it was great getting that sense of accomplishment from finishing something that my dad had for me to do. Jesus' Dad had set a task before him as well.

Jesus' task was to bring about the salvation of mankind. He said himself that he came "to seek and to save that which was lost." A task that he accomplished. Restoration was made ready. It is possible.

Jesus brought glory to His Father when he accomplished the task. When God sets a task before you accomplishing it brings glory to Him as well. And even sometimes when we fail, the simple act of pursuit and obedience is a way in which we bring Him glory. Because God gets glory when we long to be restored to relationship with Him. And if there is anything worth having been accomplished, it is bringing glory to God.