Traveling Through Life
John 17:6-19
"I have given them your word. And the world hates them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. I'm not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. They do not belong to this world any more than I do." John 17:14-16
Being disciples of Jesus in these modern days is no different than times in the past. Jesus called his disciples because he saw the potential they had for God's Kingdom and as he does with us. The disciples questioned why he would pick them to talk to leaders of the day or those who made decisions in their communities, we have the same questions at times. Since Jesus ascended to God and sits on his right side, the disciples had power from the Holy Spirit to advance God’s love in the world; it is true with us today.
The New Testament is very clear that disciples of Jesus are in the world, but not of the world. What this means is that we believe we were created and lived in heaven, before we had our earthly birth and are living in this world. As years go by, people who have taken God’s commandments seriously, there is an uneasiness that is experienced that they are just travelers in this world seeking to return to their heavenly home. But since we are in this world we share His word of love to everyone who are searching in their life for meaning and purpose. So we meet many people in life that we share this message and the Holy Spirit grows in their life to be travelers too. Jesus has selected each person to carry on his mission because they have realized their lives would be incomplete without the love of God in their lives. When his words are heard in our souls and his words are realized that give us life for the world to come, there is an eagerness that develops to reach out to every person with his life-giving message. Disciples of Jesus today are confronted with many obstacles by those who desire to marginalize his love for all people and prize the world's rewards overshadowing what God gives to all people. But the rewards the world gives are temporary; what God gives is eternal. So be bearers of God's word of love to all who realize they too are travelers in this world, making their way back to their heavenly home.
Dear Lord, I have felt you pushing me into a deeper calling as your disciple. Continue to empower me with your Holy Spirit so I may be available to all people who seek your love. As I travel through this world, bring me through difficult times as I travel back to my heavenly home. Amen.