The 21 Day Experiment - Day 17: Protect them from the Evil One

by Marilynn Chadwick

My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. John 17:15 (NIV)

Ever feel like you’re not of this world? I know I do. Shouldn't come as a surprise. What the world believes is often opposite to the principles in Scripture. Just another reminder that this place is not our home.

So why don't we Christians just gather up all those with like-minds and form our own little separate society? A survivalist community where we all share the same biblical worldview? Wouldn't that be the safest way to live out our time here on planet Earth? Maybe the disciples wondered the same thing.

Jesus knew his disciples would be out-of-step with the world. He also knew his time on earth was short. So, he prays to the Father: "I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world" (v. 14).

But look what he prays next. This verse is my watchword today: “My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one” (v. 15).

God could airlift his followers out of the fray and send us all to more peaceful pastures. But here’s the catch: The very same world that sometimes hates us actually needs us. They need our message of good news. They need grace. They need Jesus.

There are many in this broken and hurting world who are desperately thirsty for the Gospel. That’s why Jesus doesn't call his disciples out of the world. "As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world" (v. 18).

If we’re believers in Jesus, we have those early disciples to thank. They didn't retreat to a safe place, but rather risked their lives to take the Word of Christ to the ends of the earth—so that somewhere along the way, someone would share the Good News of the Gospel with you and with me.

Jesus prays for us, too. Let the words of his prayer soak in: “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one. Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me” (vv. 20,21).

Jesus knew you and prayed for you before you were born. Astounding, isn’t it? Take comfort in that assurance. Go boldly into your world today. Jesus prayed for you so that you will seek and save the lost. Stay alert. Watch for the person in your path who desperately needs to know how much the Lord loves them. And remember, he has already prayed for your protection as you go!