Not of This World

As a young believer trying to understand the oneness of the Godhead (Trinity), the Holy Spirit reminded me of a familiar cartoon from days gone by, Casper the Friendly Ghost. That may sound strange, but I believe the Lord speaks to us where we are and from where we came. Casper used to separate into three images of himself. The picture spoke to me — I could relate to it, and so my understanding opened!  

Periodically I daydream about conversations I have with the Lord and other people. Have you? Sometimes my imagination gets the best of me and I end up never having the actual conversation with the person, because it already took place in my mind! 

Crazy, right? But Jesus said, 

“They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world” (John 17:16 ESV).

Am I the only one pondering these kinds of things? How do we process what Jesus said or prayed?  

My desire has revolved around having an intimate relationship with the Father like Jesus’. This compelled me to develop spiritual disciplines worthy of a disciple of Christ. Reading the Bible and praying daily became foundational. Life gets busy for all of us, but I am committed to not making excuses when it comes to these disciplines. Even Jesus spent a busy three years of ministry pouring out upon His disciples.  

Through reading my Bible, I realized that Jesus prayed for me!  

“I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me” (John 17:21). 

This Scripture sent my imagination into orbit! Can we even comprehend that Jesus’ prayer reverberated throughout eternity? Who are we that the Creator of the universe desires to be “one” with us? My finite mind could not handle this, but my imagination soared! 

I am — we are — “not of the world.” Our essence is from another realm. Jesus said He was returning to the “eternal life” realm. One day, we will join Him! I had to slow down and recognize that, for the moment, I must remain content on this side of eternity. We must “be present” and walk out our faith just like Jesus did. He already prayed to God for us. He will not take us out of the world, but in His absence, we represent Him (John 17:15). 

This reality is revolutionary. It makes me desire to please Him even more. I “get to” be one with Him! May we bask in the presence of the Godhead: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We are not of this world! 

Prayer:
Father, help us to embrace the essence of who You are and who we are as one with You. Open our understanding through wisdom and revelation about You and all those matters too high for common comprehension.

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Scripture is quoted from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®). ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. The ESV® text has been reproduced in cooperation with and by permission of Good News Publishers. Unauthorized reproduction of this publication is prohibited. All rights reserved.