John 17:13 “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.
This world is not my home. And there are times when I feel so strongly out of place in this world that the pain is almost physical. But there are other times when I am truly thankful that I feel so out of sync because it is easy to turn my back on the pull of the world.
John 17:14a I have given them your word and the world has hated them,
I find it interesting in today’s scripture that Jesus says specifically that His prayer is not that God take us out of the world–even though we don’t belong, even though it’s not our home–His prayer is that God protect us from “the evil one.” Perhaps that feeling of not belonging here, of longing for our true home is important for our spiritual journey.
John 17:14b …for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world.
Precious Savior, Thank You for Your fierce, compassionate love and for Your prayers long before we were born. Thank You for the reminder that this world is not our home. Help us to accomplish Your will for us while we are here. But help us never forget that we don’t belong here. There is a better place for us, an eternal home with You. Amen.
John 17:15 My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.
Have a blessed day.