One with Jesus Christ

John 17:20

I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word,

John 17:24

Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world.

These scriptures were part of the prayer that Jesus prayed to the Father on behalf of His disciples prior to His eminent death and resurrection.  Jesus was confirming with the Father that His disciples and all of the new believers in the good news of the salvation story who followed in discipleship would join Him in glory for all eternity.

Jesus reveals in His prayer to the Father the final chapter in the lives of all of His disciples.  All of the disciples of Jesus Christ will join Him at the right hand of the Father for all eternity.

Have you ever watched a taped version of a sporting event in which you knew the result of the game in advance...a victory for the home team?  Didn't knowing the final score make it easier to absorb the anguish of the bad calls by the officials, the mistakes by the players and the bonehead decisions of the head coach?  Jesus' confirmation provides us with the strength that we need to endure all that comes against us in life because we know there will be the ultimate victory in the end.  To paraphrase 2 Cor 4:8-9, we may be afflicted in every way, but not crushed; we may be perplexed, but not driven to despair; we may be persecuted, but not forsaken; we may be struck down, but not destroyed because we are one with Jesus Christ.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we come to You in the name of Jesus Christ, Our Lord, Our Master and Our King.  We thank You Father that we may be one with Jesus as He is one with You.  We praise You as we receive in faith all of the promises that come with being a disciple of Your Son.  May the Holy Spirit keep us steadfast in all aspects of our discipleship.