John 17:3 | To Know Him
John 17:3 ESV says, “And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.”
John 17 is packed with profound truth about how God sees us and what Jesus desires for his church. It is overwhelming to consider that the words John records here are of Jesus’ final prayer before being handed over to be crucified. In a moment of eternal distress, Jesus demonstrates the depth of his love and kindness to be praying for his disciples and us, the ones to come.
In this prayer, Jesus is stepping into his intercessory ministry, which he continues to this day before the throne (Hebrews 7:25). His prayer is that we would be one with him and the Father and consequently experience eternal life, glory, and divine power.
To know God is to know life.
Can you receive this prayer today? Do you believe that eternal life is in knowing Christ Jesus? I would assume you have some belief about this because you are reading this devotional, but I wonder how deep this message hits you?
The kind of knowing that God desires is more than surface level. It is not knowledge in the sense of information. It is an understanding that comes from an encounter.
Sadly, it seems that many believers do not actually want to encounter God. For one reason or another, we have erected walls that keep us at a distance from the Holy Spirit. We place safety barriers between God and us, and the outcome is a distracted, hardened, and weary heart. This burdens me.
For this reason, I urge each of us to examine our hearts today. What has stood in the way between you and God? Can you see the walls crumbling as your eyes begin to open? Would you be courageous and call upon the Lord today?
It is time to declutter our religion and simply abide. All the striving in the world cannot make up for the power of responding to Jesus’ prayer that we would know him—the one true God.
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Abiding happens daily in his presence. Abiding Daily is a simple and practical reminder to stay connected to the vine. Each prompt is inspired by the scriptures and designed to point you toward prayer and encounter. You can follow us on Facebook and Instagram. To get the Daily Invitation sent to you every day click this link or text “Daily” to +1 (779) 237-3914.
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Our first devotional book is available on our online store! Abiding Daily: Volume One is a devotional book including 120 prompts from the Daily Invitation. This book is designed to help believers connect with God through the word and discover more of what it means to abide in Christ. Click here to learn more.
