Jesus prayed for His disciples in John 17. The part of His prayer that leaves me awestruck is the first three words in verse 23: “I in them….”
Jesus was praying shortly before his arrest and crucifixion. He was praying for His disciples and all those who would come after them (you and I are included in that prayer). He spoke of sanctification, and glory and unity, but it was those three little words that brought me to tears today.
“I in them….” Jesus in me. Jesus in you. Jesus in us. The Creator of this universe, the Word of God, the One raised to the Right Hand of the Father, the One who is Alpha and Omega, deems to be “in” us by the power of the very Spirit of God.
It makes me cry out, “Why me, God? Why would you want me? I am nothing as far as this world views me. A hyperactive child, a rebellious teenager, an imperfect wife and mother. I’ve been fearful and arrogant most of my life. I’ve not achieved any weight of glory in this world. I’ve made wrong decisions and done so many things I ought not have. I’ve been selfish and envious and things much worse. And You want me?”
Yes. He does. You see, it isn’t about we were, it’s all about what He can do in us and through us. It’s all about “I in them.” Amen&Amen