(tm) Day 13
Back to John Seventeen, Devotional
While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition [destruction]; that the scripture might be fulfilled. (John 17:12)
The doctrine of keeping, of guarding, appears several times in Chapter 17. The Apostle John employs this term in the sense of our keeping and guarding the Word of Christ (John 14:23; Revelation 3:10), and of Christ keeping us safe in His care during seasons of temptation (John 17:15; Revelation 3:10).
While the Lord Jesus was on the earth He kept His disciples safe from the wiles of Satan. Christ accomplished this through prayer, praying that the authority and power of the Father’s Name would be a wall of protection, an unmovable rock surrounding each member of the little band of disciples.
We understand from the Spirit of God and from the conditions of the world about us that fearful days are ahead for all the inhabitants of the earth. Another war may be just around the corner. In many countries the value of money is unstable. Multitudes of human beings are suffering famine and homelessness. God is testifying that judgment is coming on the world because of our sin and rebellion.
The saints are in the world. We know as long as we are in the world we shall experience tribulation—much tribulation. We must never forget that the Name of Almighty God is protecting us.
The saints will suffer and the sinners will suffer. The difference is, the hand of God is covering the saints, and their tribulations result in the perfecting of their personalities in Christ (if they receive them correctly, praying to the Lord continually for strength and guidance).
Judas Iscariot was one of the twelve disciples. There was nothing unusual about Judas except his love of money. He carried the bag of money, the common purse of the disciples. Money meant so much to Judas he would steal the money belonging to his comrades, his fellow disciples.
Judas was not a man without a conscience. His future conduct portrayed conscience and remorse. But Judas loved money. The love of money provided the door through which Satan was able to enter him.
The holy Scriptures by commandment and example teach us to flee from the love of money, from the deceitfulness of riches. It is impossible to serve God and money. We must choose between these two masters.
We have made our choice. How about you? Have you chosen to serve God instead of money?