The Same Glory

This morning I read the 17th chapter of the Book of John, which is the recording of Jesus praying for me before He was crucified... before I came into existence.  Jesus communicated to God the Father that Jesus wanted me, a future Believer who had not yet been born, to be one with Jesus and God the Father so that the world would believe that God the Father sent Jesus.  Jesus gave me the same glory that God the Father gave to Jesus!  Jesus wanted me, a future Believer, to be in complete unity with Him and God the Father not only so that the world would know that God the Father sent Jesus but also so that the world would know that God the Father loves me even as God the Father loves Jesus (vs 23)!

Jesus' prayer doesn't stop there.  He said in verse 24 “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world."  In verse 25, Jesus closed His prayer to God the Father by saying “Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.”

Doesn't these verses remind you of the song taught to us in Sunday School as children? 

Jesus loves me, this I know

For the Bible tells me so. 

Little ones to Him belong.

They are weak, but He is strong. 

Yes, Jesus loves me. 

Yes, Jesus loves me. 

Yes, Jesus loves me, for the Bible tells me so.

Do your children and grandchildren know this song?  I sang this song to my youngest grandchild while keeping her as her mother worked.  After they relocated in January, I sang it to her when she visited in April and when she came back in June.  I sing it softly in her ear.  I want this song to be embedded in her soul as it is in mine.  I suggest you read John 17 today and remind yourself that Jesus prayed for you before you came into existence.  This will give you joy today!

And in case you're wondering, here are the other verses to this beloved song:

Jesus loves me! He who died,
Heaven's gate to open wide;
He will wash away my sin,
Let His little child come in.
Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
The Bible tells me so.

Jesus loves me! loves me still,
When I'm very weak and ill;
From His shining throne on high,
Comes to watch me where I lie.
Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
The Bible tells me so.

Jesus loves me! He will stay,
Close beside me all the way;
He's prepared a home for me,
And some day His face I'll see.
Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
The Bible tells me so.