Renie Lellelid

John 17:11

Thursday, March 22

11 And now I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one, as we are one. – John 17:11

As we read the words of Jesus in his High Priestly Prayer, we note the concern He has for his beloved disciples. Through the past four chapters, He continues to remind them of his leaving and their staying. They want to go with him where He is going, but Jesus says, "not yet." He is leaving them with work to do in the power of His Name. The whole world will be the beginning of their congregations.

I myself have a congregation. It starts with the Ove/Alma/Stenberg family tree. From that sturdy trunk come the seven main branches, then the smaller ones, then down to the smallest "twiglets." The last born raises the total to 214. He is my ninth great-grandchild, and they named him Ove.

The printed 'tree' is here by my table to remind me daily of all the 'big' days in their lives, and to pray for them as I send off their home-made cards.

As I send His powerful Word, I also pray that God will continue to create a family tree 'sap' to keep us all flowing and growing in Him.

Questions for reflection:

• Do you have a 'congregation' with whom you strengthen your faith?
• How do your words and your actions walk hand-in-hand?

Prayer:

Dear Lord, I pray that the culture in which we live will not pull us away from You. Keep us rooted in your word. Amen