by Dr. Al Hearne II

This devotion is our fourth shore excursion to understand how daily living in God's truth leads to eternal life.

Shore Excursion 4 - How Does God Sanctify

 

John 17:17, “Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth."

John 17:17 is a part of Jesus' "High Priestly Prayer" that runs throughout the chapter. In 17:1-5, Jesus prays for Himself, asking His Father to glorify Him so that He can glorify the Father. Then, in 17:6- 19, Jesus prays for his disciples, asking His Father to sanctify them and keep them united as they are sent into the world.  Finally, in 17:20-26, Jesus prays for all future believers, asking that they may be one, just as he and the Father are one, so that the world may believe in Him.  Specifically, in 17:17, Jesus asked the Father to sanctify His disciples, that is, to set them apart for God's holy purpose through the truth of God's Word. Jesus prays for his disciples to be sanctified because they are not a part of this world (17:16); they are a part of God's world. Therefore, they are to be set apart and sanctified as holy for a specific purpose. 

In John 17:17, Jesus explicitly asks the Father to sanctify His disciples, meaning to set them apart for God's holy purpose through the truth of God's Word. This sanctification is necessary because, as Jesus notes, His disciples are not of this world (17:16); they belong to God's kingdom. Therefore, they are to be sanctified as holy and dedicated to fulfilling God's calling in their lives. This prayer underscores the importance of truth in the life of a believer. God's truth never changes; it corresponds to reality, and it serves as the foundation for the disciples' calling in the world.

What does this mean for us today? Unlike in the Old Testament, where certain people were sanctified and set apart for God's holy duty, such as Aaron and his sons (Exodus 28:41), today, all believers are sanctified and set apart for God's holy duty. Rather than being dressed in priestly clothing, believers today are dressed in God's truth as they are sent out into the world to engage in God's calling upon their lives (17:19). This calling encompasses all of life, 365 days a year, 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. Everything that God wants us to believe and put into action is in His Word. Therefore, believers need to daily read the Bible so that they become immersed in knowing God's truth regardless of this circumstance or situation in which they find themselves. 

 

Reflective Practice

In what areas of life do you feel God's truth is setting you apart? Are there any areas where you find living according to God's Word challenging?

How do you actively allow God's truth to shape your thoughts, decisions, and actions in daily life?

In what ways do you feel God is calling you to live out His truth in the world around you?

 

Concluding Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you for sending Jesus to die on the cross so that your truth can sanctify us. Thank you for setting us aside for your holy purpose. Help us recognize the areas where we struggle to live according to your Word, and give us the strength and wisdom to align our lives fully with your truth. Guide our thoughts, decisions, and actions so that we may preach Christ and, when necessary, use words. In Jesus' name, Amen!

 

[image, Sanctity Them, was created by DALL·E.]