Stay in Touch!

Daily Reading: John 17

Scripture Focus: I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world. (John 17.11a)

Devotional Thought: One by one, as my girls left home, I understood what Jesus felt when he had to say goodbye to his friends. I could no longer be with them and oversee their decisions and actions. I had to trust them. I could not be a present protector. I had to trust God. I didn't stop loving them, of course, but I had to transfer their care to One greater than me. And besides, I was able to be in touch with them anytime I wanted through the wonder of cell phones. I received pictures and videos of them - and more importantly my grandchildren! - many, many times. I still do!

In John 17, as Jesus was preparing his disciples for their separation, he prayed for them. I'm sure it was hard to say good-bye, but he found comfort knowing that he could entrust them into the hands of his heavenly Father. He knew that even after he was gone, God would answer his prayers on their behalf.

Jesus loves us just as much as he loved his disciples in the first century. He has given us a mission. He is leaving us in the world to fulfill that mission. So, even now he prays for us and entrusts us to the care of our heavenly Father. And we have the privilege of being in touch with him at any time through prayer, through worship, and through the Bible. Though Jesus is in heaven, we can still be in touch with him! He loves it! He loves you!

Prayer: Thank you, Father, for the modern wonder of communication that keeps us in contact with those we love. Thank you for the even greater privilege of being in contact with you! Help us to keep close to you! Amen.

Psalm of the Day: 34 Wait for the LORD and keep his way, and he will exalt you to inherit the land; you will look on when the wicked are cut off. 35 I have seen a wicked, ruthless man, spreading himself like a green laurel tree. 36 But he passed away, and behold, he was no more; though I sought him, he could not be found. 37 Mark the blameless and behold the upright, for there is a future for the man of peace. 38 But transgressors shall be altogether destroyed; the future of the wicked shall be cut off. 39 The salvation of the righteous is from the LORD; he is their stronghold in the time of trouble. 40 The LORD helps them and delivers them; he delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in him. (Psalms 37:34-40)