PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: John 17:6-12
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“Protect them by the power of your name, the name you gave me.” (John 17:11)
Jesus means ‘the Lord saves’, “because he will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21)
Everywhere Jesus went, all his life, he carried this assuring name.
Even as he anticipates his death in this prayer, he is encouraged by his name.
He is praying that his followers will also be protected in this name.
As a Jesus follower, I have put my confidence in Jesus and in God as my Father.
This does not take me out of the trouble in this world, but it holds on to me.
Through all the tensions in the world and in the church, I cling to Jesus.
My confidence is not that I am right or good in myself, my confidence is in Jesus.
I’ve lost my confidence in christianity and the institutional church… but not in Jesus.
Currently I am really feeling the weight of COVID, world and church concerns.
I’ve had more than a few moments when I’ve thought, ‘Lord, I am tired, I am done’.
In these moments I hear Jesus praying for me, holding me in the power of his name.
“How sweet the Name of Jesus sounds in a believer’s ear!
It soothes his sorrow, heals his wounds, and drives away his fear.”
PRAYER
Lord, I humbly and boldly bear your name, and feel blessed to call myself ‘Jesus follower’. May your name bring strength to those who need it today!
Jesus prays to the Father to provide protection: “protect them” – for his disciples – for his followers. I picture Jesus doing the same for me today – but now with the Father in heaven and with the presence of his Spirit to guide me. That same love for all – the love of the creator for the created. The love of a saviour who laid down his life to save me! Greater Love than this there is not! Help me to love those whom you put in my path!
Jesus is praying for His disciples who will continue to face hardships. I am also His disciple and He will be with me also in my daily living for Jesus. It is only in His name am I able to be a conqueror. It is He Who gives me the power, the strength each day to live for Him. Lead me and guide me this day Lord as I continue my pilgrim’s progress in Your Sonshine.
1 All for Jesus! All for Jesus!
All my being’s ransomed pow’rs,
all my thoughts and words and doings,
all my days and all my hours.
2 Let my hands perform his bidding,
let my feet run in his ways;
let my eyes see Jesus only,
let my lips speak forth his praise.