“Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world.”
John 17:24, ESV
Jesus offered these words for us. He desired for us, those who are claimed by Him, to be forever at His side. He knew us before the world was created, as our stories were written long ago. Not like a fixed story, but more like a choose-your-own-adventure. We have options to choose either light or darkness. In the darkness, we find suffering and pain, but Christ is always calling out to us whom He has chosen. Opening doors to lead us out of the darkness. We can run from His voice and remain there, or we can listen and receive His hand that will bring us into the light. Christ desires not to lose any of us who are His. He calls out to us, and when He hears our bleating cry, like a good shepherd, he runs to the sound of our cries and puts us on His shoulders to carry us to safety. Sadly, our nature is to hide from His voice and not trust His promises, thinking that our way is better or the cost is too great, and we wander off into the dark places, similar to the rich young man who rejected Jesus' call to follow Him because He could not let go of His possessions. Yet, Christ still calls and yearns for all of us to return to His side to know the full treasure that awaits us in His Kingdom.
Let us pray. I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, your dear Son, that you have kept me this night from all harm and danger, and I ask you to protect me this day also from sin and every evil, that in all I do today, I may please you. For into your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all that is mine. Let your holy angel watch over me, that the wicked foe have no power over me. Amen.