WE ARE DIFFERENT(A GOOD DIFFERENT)
They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world.
John 17:16-18
John 17:16-18 NKJ 16 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. 18 As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world.
This is the prayer of Jesus right before the cross. John wrote this gospel approximately 60 years after the other three gospels, and he highlights different aspects of Jesus' life. This powerful prayer is the only gospel that carries it fully.
Jesus is talking about His mission and His relationship with God. He also prays for His disciples regarding their mission, their relationship with God, and their connection with Jesus Himself.
In His prayer, Jesus states that His followers are not of the world and asks God to sanctify or separate them by His truth. His word is truth. So, Jesus is saying that all who would believe in Him would be different from this world's system, the way a world without God operates. Set apart and sent into the world in order to reach others. It's a bit of a mind-boggling thing. Born from above, spiritually speaking, set apart as God's children and sent to reveal Him to the world. That’s amazing and different. A good different.
APPLICATION
This is one of those passages that we just have to believe even though it sounds out of this world. Because it is.
The spiritual birth that takes place in us when we receive Jesus is more than real and His view of us is astounding. We are not dictated to by the fear and curse and demonic pressure that influences the whole world.
We have been transferred into the Kingdom of God, set apart by His truth, and empowered to make a difference in the lives of those we come into contact with
And you thought you were just a regular guy, a regular girl.
PRAYER
Dear Father, I receive Jesus' prayer for me. I am not connected to this world's system, but I am set apart by your truth and sent out to reach others for you. You are truly amazing. And I am truly different, but what a good different.