Answered Prayer

DEVOTION

THE GOSPEL OF JOHN

ANSWERED PRAYER

John 17:24-26

24 "Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.

25 "Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. 26 I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them." 

NIV

We come to the closing words of the prayer of Jesus for his disciples and for all who would believe because of the message. We can be confident that we will be where Jesus is because the Father does answer prayer and especially the prayer of Jesus, who is one with the Father. It would seem right to think Jesus prayed this for the reason of us knowing his prayer. He could have prayed in the Spirit, or silently, but be spoke his prayer out loud so John could hear and record it. Thus we can be sure of our destination of heaven where Jesus is right now. We will also see his glory, we will see Jesus in all his glory, not as a humble servant as he was when he was here on earth, but as the King of kings, the Lord of lords, the mighty and glorious victor over death. We will see Jesus as he was when he created all that is created. It is also a fact that although we are believers we are still in the world. Is Jesus referring to the world as all mankind, believers, and non-believers alike when he says the world does not know the Righteous Father? It would appear the ones who would know the Father sent Jesus would be only the believers, as non-believers would not accept that fact. Yet how can we be one with Jesus and the Father if we do not know the Father? What Jesus is saying is that the world did not know the true nature of the Father, but Jesus has revealed him to us. It is not possible for someone to know the Father unless he is revealed to them by Jesus. We can know the Father through Jesus, and we can experience the love of God because Jesus has shown his love to us. This love for us was demonstrated by the Father sending Jesus into the world to die on the cross for us so that whosoever believes will not perish but have everlasting life. This is the love of God shown to us through Jesus. He has revealed how much God loves us and that should once again give us great joy and peace. We have absolute assurance of our place in heaven. It has nothing to do with how good we are, or how many good deeds we do. It is only because we believe in Jesus that we have this assurance. He has prayed for our salvation and we are the living proof God answered the prayer of Jesus. If he answered his prayer, he will also answer ours because we pray in the name of Jesus.