John Stonestreet asked that question in a recent talk in Minnesota. He asked, “Does walking with Jesus distract us from this world, or does walking with Jesus clarify our call to be engaged in this world?

Well, I think that question is a deeper question than it seems. I used to think that being a Christian was really just about getting to Heaven. So, I didn’t want to think about all of the problems of this world because I knew that my real home was in Heaven. But, if being a Christian was only about getting to Heaven, wouldn’t God just take us straight to Heaven once we were saved? If that is where the rubber meets the road for Christianity, then wouldn’t that make sense? Well, the older I get and the more I study God’s Word, I realize that getting to Heaven is certainly part of being a Christian–and don’t get me wrong, I love that part!!–but it is also about being used by Christ to help redeem others to Him. We need to be engaged in this world for Him!

We are His instruments in the world today. God uses us to bring His Kingdom to others! How exciting is that!!!

Isn’t it interesting that right before Jesus was arrested, He didn’t pray for His disciples to be taken straight to Heaven when His redeeming work on the cross was finished. Instead, He did the opposite. He actually prayed that they would stay in this world! In John 17:15, Jesus prays, “My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one,” (bold added).

Why would Jesus pray to keep His disciples in a world where–as He states in verse 14–they are hated? There can really be only one answer–that we have work that is to be done right here on earth!!

My challenge for you this week is to read John 17:6-26 and let the words of Jesus penetrate you. These beautiful verses are Jesus praying for His disciples and for all believers. Take heart in these words and be blessed by them! Jesus is with us!

More to come…
Jeremy