I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one.— John 17:15
All of God’s precious Word is gloriously life-giving. Sifting through its pages is like passing through fields where diamonds are known to lie in wait of discovery just below the surface of the soil. The Word of God however is filled with wealth of the greatest of value as within it lie the richness for heart and soul. It is filled with truths and promises incomparable of any said treasure of the world. Gems which produce joy and hope to those in search of real life and real purpose. Gems which never devalue and never disappoint.
During the early years of my Christian experience, a wise mentor challenged me to spend an extended season reading repetitively through John 14–17. The result was an overflowing yield of spiritual treasure.
John 17:15 is one of those priceless gems. Before his prayer in John 17, Christ closed a discourse by telling his listeners that trials and sorrows would occur while they were on the earth but to be encouraged because he had overcome the world (John 16:33). Then he turns to his Father in heaven to intercede for those in his care.
He asks the Father to keep the evil one from those who are the citizens of heaven, a prayer later backed by the victory obtained as Christ was crucified, buried, and rose from the grip of death. In Christ we live, move, and overcome, and he intercedes on our behalf.
Who is caring for you? Who have you entrusted your most valuable possessions to, those being your heart and soul?
Prayer
In my travels, you are there; in my battles, you are there; in my deliverance, you are there! There will be challenges in this life small and great, but you are the one who has said to be encouraged for you have overcome the world. You have said you will never leave or forsake your followers. You are interceding with perfect prayer for each who would submit themselves under the shadow of your wings. You are the protector and provider. Thank you that you are interceding on my behalf to guide me and keep me safely on your good and life-giving paths. Amen.