21 Days of Prayer: Day 16

As we begin the new year, Converge churches and missionaries from around the globe will embark on 21 Days of Prayer. Join us on this prayer journey by reading the daily entries on Converge’s blog, or by downloading your free 21 Days of Prayer: Praying God’s Agenda prayer guide. In addition, you can share daily posts from our Facebook, Instagram and Twitter feeds. Thank you for joining us as we open 2020 in prayer together.

Declare the glory of the One who said, “I and the Father are one.”

John 10:22-30

At that time the Feast of Dedication took place at Jerusalem. It was winter, 23 and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the colonnade of Solomon. 24 So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.” 25 Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father’s name bear witness about me, 26 but you do not believe because you are not among my sheep. 27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. 30 I and the Father are one.”

Notice

With great clarity here, Jesus declares his deity as the second person of the trinity. “I and the Father are one.” Jewish religious leaders demand to know if Jesus is the Christ, that is, the Messiah promised in the Hebrew Bible. “Tell us plainly.” Jesus cites several layers of evidence: 1) I have already told you. 2) The works I do in my Father’s name bear witness. 3) My sheep hear my voice and follow me. To these I give eternal life, they will never perish and no one can snatch them from me. My Father, greater than all, certainly can hold on to them without fail. What a grand truth. Jesus is the Messiah and believers in Christ have heard his voice and followed him, and they cannot be snatched away by the enemy.

Think about it

If you are a believer in Jesus Christ, your Savior is in fact the Son of God and promised Deliverer. He declared it to be so in the Gospels; he revealed it through his miracles and signs, as recorded in the Gospels; and he graciously spoke to you through the gospel and allowed you to hear his voice and follow him. This is saving grace. Jesus and his heavenly Father have a strong grip on you, and they won’t ever let go. As you read the word and pray today, hear his voice, know the King’s Agenda and follow him. Tomorrow, too. The life of a Jesus disciple is one of trusting, taking in his word, “hearing” what his word has to say and following in obedience. That’s why it’s good to pray the King’s Agenda.

A prayer of praise to God the Son

“What an extraordinary gift, Father, you have given – your unique and only Son, Jesus. I praise him, Jesus my Lord and King, and exalt him as the true Messiah. I dedicate my life to declaring his glory, his love, his beauty and his salvation. May nothing ever surpass my love for Jesus Christ, and may I follow in the obedience of faith every day. May our church ever be devoted to singing the praises of Jesus. May we preach his gospel and kingly agenda, love you, our neighbors and enemies and participate in your grand kingdom plan, O God. Take my life, and let it be consecrated, Lord, to you. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

To read more of God’s word

Exodus 20, Psalm 138, John 10