“I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one.”

 

Thursday, May 25, 2023


Psalm 135

Deuteronomy 4:9-24

John 17:20-26


Observances: Week of Prayer for Christian Unity; Bede of Jarrow, priest and teacher (d. 735)


“I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one.”


Intelligence is knowing when to keep one’s mouth shut; wisdom is knowing that this is almost always the case. This is particularly applicable when making plans: one’s head can be filled with all sorts of wonderful ideas and terrifically clever schemes, but when they are spoken, they gain the weight of expectation. Intentions are safer in the mind than the air. Our most tragic example is that of Saint Peter, who famously boasted of standing by Jesus even if it meant he also would be led to the hill of execution, but when the rubber hit the road, his words went up in smoke.


It is no wonder that the Bible repeatedly marvels at the solid guarantee of God’s word. When God speaks, universes are formed, and when God breathes, life enters inanimate matter. When God says something, God stands by it.


This is one of the reasons why prayer is so powerful. Jacob wrestled the angel and would not let go until he got a blessing, because he knew that when God says something, it happens.


This section of John’s Gospel contains some of the most beautiful words Jesus ever spoke that we have on record. Because they are the words Jesus prayed on our behalf. He has prayed for Himself, and He has prayed for His disciples. Now, He prays for you and me: for those of us who believe in Him through the teachings of the Apostles. Jesus prays that we would be kept safe, and that we would be brought with all the saints from every age into the presence of God. And, most incredibly of all, He prays that we would be one, as God is one. If no-one else is praying for you, remember: Jesus has prayed for you, and He is God, and what He says, happens.

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