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Posts Tagged ‘John 17’

A Shared Joy

DadAndSonWhat father hasn’t tried to share a joy with his son?

A sunrise, a field of bluebonnets and Indian paintbrushes, a particularly tasty treat – we share not because we are lonely, crave gratitude, or need the affirmation, but because we enjoy bringing a wonderful discovery to someone we cherish.  When their eyes light up and they smile with delight – Wow!  Our attempts are not always received, but when they are there is something lovely about a shared joy.

Our heavenly Father created not because he was lonely, craved gratitude, or needed affirmation, but to share his great love for his eternal Son.  By the Holy Spirit he attempts to make his Son known and loved.  That wonderful Son we know as Jesus volunteered to do what was needed to remove all obstacles to sharing that joy and by the Holy Spirit attempts to share with us what he loves about his eternal Father.

His attempts are not always received, but when they are there is something lovely about a shared joy.

These things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves…Father, ….I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.” – John 17

-fritz

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“And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” — John 17:3

Many think eternal life begins when we get to heaven, not so!

Frederick Buechner, American writer and theologian, accurately puts it this way:

Frederick Buechner

“You do not love God and live for him so you will go to Heaven. Whichever side of the grave you happen to be talking about, to love God and live for him is heaven” — Frederick Buechner1

— fritz@langgang.com
1. Frederick Buechner, Wishful Thinking: A Seeker’s ABC as quoted in Frank Honeycutt’s Marry a Pregnant Virgin page 181

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>Same Love as Jesus

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“Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;…I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.” – Jesus (John 17:20, 23 KJV)

If I believe Jesus’ words then I believe God loves me with the same degree and intensity He loves Jesus.

Somehow it is easier to believe the Father loves Jesus than to believe He love me that same way. Choosing to believe what Jesus said puts a different perspective on difficulties; not as random or perverse antics of life, but purposed opportunities intended, with God’s help, as ultimate blessings.

– Fritz

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