given

Some things in scripture become richer the more I think about them. I ran across one of those passages again this morning, in this part of Jesus’ prayer at the Last Supper as recorded in John 17:6-12: 

“‘I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word. Now they know that everything you have given me comes from you. For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me. I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours. All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them. I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one. While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me. None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled.’”

There’s something really reassuring in the idea that God, to whom belongs every single one of his image bearers, gave some of them to Jesus. I understand this passage to refer to the men and women who recognized Jesus for what he was, who believed his revelation, and who followed him. And at the very end Jesus prayed this prayer for that group. It’s a touching demonstration of his love and concern for them, and also an intriguing glimpse into the doctrine of election.

When I read this, I like to imagine God deciding to give me to Jesus. I think about what that transfer looked like. Was I one of a group? Did God point me out to Jesus by name? I know this is fanciful thinking, but it helps me to see my election as a personal thing.

When I think of it like this, I soon begin to think of the kind of love involved, and the very personal relationship I have with God. And I realize that, because my salvation is founded not on my fickle behavior but on his immutable character, that relationship will never be at risk. I can damage myself with my bad choices. I can make a wreck of my earthly life. But as long as I cling to the cross of Jesus as my only hope, that hope will be sufficient.

So I like to think about it. God probably didn’t wrap me up in a gift box and pass me to Jesus at a party or ceremony, but I like to think something as significant was involved. I like to think I was given in love to a Lord who loves me.