“…I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. As You sent me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth…” John 17: 15-19, NKJV.
Almighty God, in the name of Your Son Jesus, we come seeking a blessing as we enter the study of Your Word. Please come very close to us, and we will be blessed. In Jesus’ name we pray; Amen.
Today we will look at the kingdom as it relates to the world. When Pilate said to Jesus I am not a Jew; it is Your people who handed You over to me; and then asked Him: “What have You done” (John 18: 35)? Jesus’ reply seemed to have nothing to do with the question. Jesus replied, “My kingdom is not of this world” (36). And yet it had everything to do with the intent of the question. Prior to that statement Pilate had asked Jesus if He was the king of the Jews. What Jesus was in fact saying is, even though I was born a Jew, the kingdom that I represent is not an earthly kingdom. Yes, I am a Jew. Yes, I am a king. But My kingdom, is not of this world! My modus operandi is not of this world! In My kingdom, things are done differently!
My kingdom does not operate on the principles of worldly kingdoms (Luke 22: 24, 28-30). “…I am among you as one who serves” (27)! In my kingdom, the King serves! You see, human beings have a need to feel powerful, but, “All power [authority] is given unto Me in heaven and in earth” (Matthew 28: 18)! Have mercy! In my kingdom power is exercised in reverse! The least becomes as the greatest, and the greatest as the least. Society’s status quo is nil in my kingdom!
Keep them from the evil one. Our text for today is a part of Jesus’ prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane. As He feels the hour for which He has come into the world approaching (John 12: 27), He pours out His heart in prayer to the Father. He is returning to heaven, where all is righteousness; but His friends will remain a while longer in the world. So while they must continue in the world, preaching the Good News, and bearing witness of Him, He asks the Father to keep them from the evil one, whom Jesus refers to as the prince of this world (John 14: 30). As their example He has “sanctified” Himself. He has kept Himself undefiled by the world; and asks, that through the life-giving, life-transforming Word, the Father will also keep His friends pure; as they dwell in the world.
Do not love the world (1 John 2: 15-17). “Not everything that glitters is gold;” is a quote from the sages. The world is full of “things” that glitter. These are the things that excite. These are the things that cause pride. These are the things that make you feel powerful. But things pass away. Things are not eternal! Jesus describes the things of the world as “the desire of the flesh;” the things that feel good, whether or not they are good. “The desire of the eyes;” the things that you see and want, many times without counting the real cost of those things. “The pride in riches;” these are the things that we accumulate in order to feel good about ourselves; the “vain” things of life. But all of these are things that cannot fill, or bring us satisfaction, because they are temporal. These things do not have a place in God’s kingdom; because His kingdom is not of this world. His kingdom is eternal. Hence, His word of warning to His friends: Beware! Love them not! Because, “where your treasure is, there will your heart be also!”
NOTE: Wednesday’s devotional has been modified.