Letting the World Know
Scripture Reading — John 17:20-26
“I in them and you in me… . Then the world will know that you sent me.”
—John 17:23
There’s a lot of togetherness in Jesus’ prayer for all believers. Jesus prays that all believers will be one and that the Father and Christ himself will be “in” all believers.
Opening our hearts and lives to God and to one another is foundational to living for the Lord who calls us. It shouldn’t surprise us, for this is the way that God—the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, three in one—lives, in a relationship of deepest fellowship and love with each other.
What should surprise us is that we are invited into that holy fellowship. The psalmist marvels that the God of the universe even pays attention to us: “What is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?” (Psalm 8:4). In sending Jesus to live in our world, God opens the way for us to enter into an intimate relationship with him and with other believers. This is a beautiful and joyful communion—God and his people joined together in purpose and unity. Jesus said that when we get this right—when we share and celebrate the love of God in Christian community—the world is compelled to enter in. Do you find that to be true?
Jesus is at the leading edge of showing the world the full of extent of God’s love. May that love be evident through every Christian community.
Loving God, we long to show the world the love that you showed in sending Jesus. Help us to live in ways that draw others to join in communion with you and one another. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
About the author — Ruth Boven
Ruth Boven serves as minister of congregational life at LaGrave Ave. CRC in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She and her husband, Greg, have two adult children. They find rich purpose in urban ministry and delight in enjoying the wonders of God's good creation.
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