Daily Devotion, July 21, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read John 17:6-13.

John 17 has been called the “high-priestly prayer” and farewell prayer of Jesus. It is one of my favorite scripture passages! The theme for this week’s devotionals focuses on the joy we have because of the people we serve alongside in ministry, both past and present. Jesus understood this completely! Jesus prayed for this gift to be given to the disciples, even as he realized the difficult days ahead for them all.

 

“I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them.” John 17:13

What had Jesus said already within this prayer which will give the disciples the full measure of Jesus’ joy? Jesus is acknowledging the gift of eternal life which has come from God through him and has been given to these disciples. This is a source of joy!

Jesus is acknowledging his relationship with God, his heavenly Father, and his disciples know he came from God. They have heard his words and believe in him. This is a source of joy!

Jesus has been glorified in them. This is a source of joy! Jesus is praying for their protection and that they would be one, as he and the heavenly Father are one! This is a source of joy!

Jesus knows the gravity of the hour. And he knows his disciples will also be facing persecution and suffering. Yet through it all, he realizes there is a deep abiding joy in being one with God and with one another to complete God’s mission to go forth into the world.

Nehemiah 8:10 says, “The joy of the Lord is my strength.” Often we perceive “joy” and “happiness” to be synonymous, but throughout scripture, we find that “strength” is synonymous with “joy”! Strength comes from God especially in difficult times. Strength is a gift which is multiplied when we all work together on the God-sized missions to which God calls us! Within that strength is an overflowing joy we remember as we look back over what God has given us grace to accomplish!

Personal Worship Option:

Lord, we give you thanks for the gift of joy and the joy we have because of the people we serve alongside in ministry, in the past, present and future. Amen.