One With The

 

Father

 

     In the prayer Christ offered for His disciples just before His crucifixion, He said: "Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on Me through their word; that they all may be one; as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be one in us; that the world may believe that Thou hast sent Me. And the glory which Thou gavest Me I have given them; that they may be one, even as We are one; 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."  

     What a wonderful prayer is this! Consider it carefully. Study every word, lest you fail of receiving the impression that God desires to make on your heart,--an impression of the greatest importance to you. This prayer holds out before us our possibilities, showing that it is our privilege to live in covenant relation with God. Every one may understand these wonderful, far-reaching expressions, and may appropriate to himself the rich promises they contain. Those who do not avail themselves of the blessings so graciously offered them will be called on in the day of the Lord to answer for their refusal to accept the great gift placed within their reach.    

     "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." Can you comprehend this statement? Is it deeper and broader than your faith can reach? Do you ask, Can this be? It can; for God has said it, and He means every word He says. He will not alter the thing that has gone out of His lips.    

     "Father, I will that they also, whom Thou hast given Me, be with Me where I am. . . . I have declared unto them Thy name, and will declare it; that the love wherewith Thou hast loved Me may be in them, and I in them."    

     The voice that utters this prayer is the voice of our Redeemer. Do not the tones thrill through every part of your being, filling you with a desire so to live that His prayer may be answered?

PUR, February 13, 1902

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Study this prayer carefully. Study every word, lest you fail of receiving the impression that God desires to make on your heart, an impression that is of the greatest importance to you. This prayer holds out before us our possibilities, showing that it is possible for us to live in close communion with God. Every one may understand these wonderful, far-reaching expressions, and appropriate to himself the great promises they contain. Those who do not avail themselves of the blessings so graciously offered them will be called upon in the day of final accounts to answer for their refusal to accept the great gift placed within their reach.

PUR July 3, 1902