Protected by Truth

Wednesday, May 23
John 17:14-19
".....Guard them from the Evil One...Make them holy - consecrated - with the Truth; your word is consecrating truth.  In the same way that you gave me a mission in the world, I give them a mission in the world.  I'm consecrating myself for their sakes, so they'll be truth-consecrated in their mission." (The Message, vs. 15, 17)
     'Guard against Evil', protection, safety, power of Truth.....this sounds like Jesus is directing his prayer at a gathering of new SuperHeroes!  Jesus, God's first SuperPower, took on the responsibility of Truth, and now, in a world of hostility, he is passing it on.  The safety and protection of God's truth will be a necessary defense or secret super-power for the disciples.
     Paul's description of the Armour of Christ in Ephesians comes to mind here in addition to Super Heroes. Armed with the sword of the Spirit, the Armor of Righteousness, the Helmet of Salvation!   The Truth will be the disciples' superpower against injustice, hatred and sin.
       What kind of movie might this make?  Take the Joker out of Batman and replace him with Satan.  Add the Jewish high court, the Romans, and the idol worshippers as the antagonists, the 'Evil Ones'.  Arm twelve superheroes with the power of God, manifested in the Holy Spirit and the words of Christ.
     How does the movie end?  Do I have a small role in it?  My powers of Truth are within me.  Have I used them?

Safe to Soar

Tuesday, May 22
John 17:10-13
"They'll continue in the world while I return to you.  Holy Father, guard them as they pursue this life that you conferred as a gift through me.  So they can be one heart and mind as we are one heart and mind....Now I'm returning to you.  I'm saying these things in the world's hearing so my people can experience my joy completed in them."  (The Message, vs. 11, 13)
     I envision Jesus ready to leave all his disciples at college or perhaps their graduation.  He has taught them all he can.  He has watched over them much as a parent.  He has protected them from the sins of the world.  Now it is time to let go...and leave them in God's care.  But God and Jesus are one.  So, perhaps the prayer, as verse 13 suggests, is really more for the disciples' benefit than a petition to God.  Jesus wants to assure them he will continue to 'be in touch' even though he won't physically be present.  One in me, one in God, one in each other.
     Another image pops into my mind.  The mother eagle is preparing to shove the eaglets out of the nest.  Their learning is over.  The prayer of the mother Jesus is they have learned their lessons well and will soar - safe and lifted high by the love and power of God the Father, Christ the Son, and the breath of the Holy Spirit.
     How willing am I to leap from the nest?  Have I received my diploma? Am I 'one in Christ' enough to feel that safety net below?