I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine (John 17:9). ...
I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine (John 17:9).
The above scripture captures part of Jesus’ prayer for His disciples, as He rounded off His earthly ministry. He said, "I pray not for the world." How come He wasn’t praying for the world? He knew it wasn’t necessary, because He knew what the Father wanted, and He was going to do just that, rather than praying about it.
This is an example for us to follow. Don’t find yourself praying for something for which you already know the Father’s heart. For example, Hebrews 10:25 says, "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." This is God’s instruction to His children to not neglect church meetings. Knowing this instruction, you’ll be remiss to pray to God, "O Lord, please move me to go to church." That’ll be completely out of place, because He already told you to take such gatherings seriously!
The same goes for
soul-winning. It’s pointless for a Christian to say, "Father, make me
win souls into your Kingdom." Just do what He’s told you. He already
said, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every
creature" (Mark 16:15). This is His instruction to you; and when He
gives you an instruction, the ability to act accordingly comes with it.
You ought to simply do what He says.
Jesus knew the will of the Father about the world. What the world needed was a sacrifice; they needed salvation. So, He didn’t have to pray for the world. He only prayed for His disciples. Shortly after praying for His disciples, He was arrested and was on His way to the cross to die for the world. Glory to God! Whatever instruction you have from God, don’t hesitate, for you’re enabled and equipped to produce results.
Jesus knew the will of the Father about the world. What the world needed was a sacrifice; they needed salvation. So, He didn’t have to pray for the world. He only prayed for His disciples. Shortly after praying for His disciples, He was arrested and was on His way to the cross to die for the world. Glory to God! Whatever instruction you have from God, don’t hesitate, for you’re enabled and equipped to produce results.
Dear Father, thank you for your Word, which illuminates my path and leads me in the way that I should go. The Holy Spirit lives in me, and He guides and instructs me from within; He leads me in the paths of righteousness, propelling me to do right and fulfil your will for my life, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
: Acts 13:26-41 Job 28-29
