Eternal Life

Eternal Life! Jesus has been dialoging with his disciples in the upper room; but now He began to pray. He was not only praying to the Father, but also praying aloud so the disciples could hear. As we "listen in" to his prayer we are able to learn more about Jesus' relationship with the Father, and therefore our relationship with the Father as well.

1. These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee:

2. As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him.

3. And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.

(John 17:1-3, King James Version)

Eternal Life

Jesus has been dialoging with his disciples in the upper room; but now He began to pray. He was not only praying to the Father, but also praying aloud so the disciples could hear. As we "listen in" to his prayer we are able to learn more about Jesus' relationship with the Father, and therefore our relationship with the Father as well.

What does Jesus ask the Father first?

Glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee.

Now, look at Jesus' very next words.

As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. . .

What kind of power did Jesus receive from the Father? Jesus received power over all flesh. Think about that! The power Jesus received from God gave him the ability to grant eternal life to his children--to us!

Yesterday, we noted that through Christ we have overcome the world. Now look at our lesson today from John 17. Just as Jesus has power over all flesh, we too, through the power of Christ granted to him, can also have power over our flesh.

What are our three main enemies? They are the world, the flesh, and the devil. We do not need to be swept away by the wickedness of the world, and we have the power, through Christ, to overcome the sins of our own flesh.

So, the question is, do we access that power? How quickly do we excuse our sin because our flesh is weak? Our flesh is weak, however our Lord Jesus Christ has overcome the flesh. By the grace of God, let us seek to lay hold of that power that can and will overcome the weakness of our flesh.

In our day, Christians are too willing to be quasi-Christians. We love the Lord, and even read our Bibles and go to church, but that is not enough! We need to immerse ourselves in the Lord Jesus Christ, and through the power of the Holy Spirit within, completely dedicate our lives to Christ.

Why do the Christians in America not have more impact upon society? Often our words and deeds are not supported by our actions, and the public is not fooled. It is time we live what we believe, everywhere we go.

Pray today that God will grant to you the grace of overcoming your own flesh, and living for Christ, alone.

And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.

Next: Finished, John 17:4-5