Yesterday I wrote that I came across two familiar verses from John’s Gospel this week. The first was John 1:12 and spoke of those who believe on Christ Jesus as LORD who have been given the “exousia” – the right, power, and authority to be children of God, birthed supernaturally of Him. That left me with such a sense of wonder.
But as enthralled as I was by that verse, I think the second one even more so. Jesus prayed for His disciples in John 17. The part of His prayer that left me awestruck was 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 a 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 what we were, it’s all about what He can do in us and through us. It’s all about “I in them.” Praise His Holy Name forever and ever. Amen.
