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Today: Psalms 68:7-14; John 17:6-26; 1 Samuel 19 & 20
John 17 – Jesus’ Prayer
I am so happy that John gave us a glimpse into Jesus’ prayer life in John 17. Jesus said that He was not only praying for His disciples, but “also for those who believe in me through their word.” (v.21) That is US!!
So when Jesus prayed about those “You gave Me out of the world,” He was talking about you and me. WE are the ones who have received His words and “truly understood that [He] came forth from [God].” We are the ones who believe the disciples’ witness that Jesus was sent by God. (v.8) In John 17, Jesus was praying for US!
Here is Jesus’ prayer for us… that God would keep us in His name, that we “may be one” as Jesus and God are one, (v.11) that the joy of Christ would be made full in us. (v.13) He asked God to keep us “away from the evil one,” (v.15) to “sanctify [us] in the truth” which is God’s word.” (v.17) Jesus prayed that we might be “perfected in unity, so that the world my know that You sent Me, and You loved them, just as You loved Me.” (v.23)
He also looked forward to the day when we will be with Him in heaven for eternity, “Father, I desire that they also, whom You have given Me, be with Me where I am, so that they may see My glory which You have given Me, for You loved Me before the foundation of the world.” (v.24)
What a beautiful prayer!
1 Samuel 19
Saul was an emotional thinker. He was hot and cold, jealous, and easily manipulated. He was jealous of David, who was a courageous warrior, a superstar loved by the people. Saul’s jealousy was eating him alive; he wanted to kill David.
When Saul discovered that David was hiding in Ramah with Samuel, he sent men there to kill him. The Holy Spirit was so powerful in Ramah that there was this company of prophets, presided over by Samuel, who just went around full of the Holy Spirit prophesying all the time. Weird, huh? I think it’s pretty awesome!
When Saul’s men encountered those prophets, “The Spirit of God came upon the messengers of Saul; and they also prophesied.” (v.20) Whoah.
Three times Saul sent men to get David. And three times they were overtaken by the “Spirit of God” and prophesied.
Then Saul went to Ramah himself and the same thing happened to him!
Can you imagine how powerful the presence of the Holy Spirit must have been at Ramah?? WOW! LORD, give us more of your Holy Spirit!!!
