June 10 - Gifts

June 10 – Gifts

I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them. I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified. (John 17:13-19)

These verses really tell us of the compassion Jesus had for His disciples.

Sometimes I fill my measuring cups to the brim and a little bit leaks over the side.  Can you imagine a full measure of the joy of Jesus within you?  Think of the lives you could impact with that.  Think of the fun your own life could be.  He spoke out loud to God in front of them so they could experience that full measure of joy.  There wasn’t any skimmed off the top so that the measure was scant or perfect – it was absolutely full.

He gave them God’s word.  He prayed for protection from the evil one.  He prayed that they would know the truth and be made holy. 

Truly sanctified … truly holy … truly whole.  Joy.  Protection.

These are some of the extraordinary gifts that Jesus offered to His disciples.  These gifts are offered to us as His disciples.  Grab hold!