The ultimate personal recommendation

‘And now I am coming to you; I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world. Holy Father! Keep them safe by the power of your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one just as you and I are one. While I was with them, I kept them safe by the power of your name, the name you gave me. I protected them, and not one of them was lost, except the man who was bound to be lost—so that the scripture might come true.’ (verses 11,12)

Read John 17:6-19

‘I’ll put in a good word for you.’ This personal recommendation can often swing the balance in your favour, so that you get the job or promotion you want.

The end of Jesus’ earthly ministry was approaching. He knew it, and he wanted his disciples to know it but did not want to upset them. They were with him as he prayed to his heavenly Father, and they heard him as he put in a good word for them. These faithful servants would need God’s love and protection to sustain them as they went about their work for him. Jesus knew the trials they would face in their mission to bring the gospel to the world, and he wanted to protect them from harm.

Jesus wants us to be safe too. He knows that we need love and protection. He’s put in a good word for us too. We know that we can trust God to care for us; after all, that is his promise to you and to me. That’s something to celebrate!

Lord Jesus, I thank you for all your love and protection. Amen.

by Julie Weckert, in ‘God’s Peace for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 2005)

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