Scripture: John 17:12-15
In verses 12 through 15 Jesus again visits the issue of knowing Him and moving forward by His leadership. He also speaks to the issue of persecution that is coming. Verse 15 is especially important when we are considering the issue of whether or not God wants to take us out or take us through. Notice what Jesus prays for the Church, “I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one.” The High Priestly prayer of Jesus was very clear when it comes to the issue of the rapture. He prayed God would leave us here but give us such dramatic relationship that we could live as if already in eternity and respond out of eternity rather than our flesh. We’re beginning to see the emerging goal God has for the end-time Church and we can say we best reflect the Lord when we’re taken through – not taken out. To know Him we must reflect Him. The degree to which we reflect Him is the depth to which we really know Him. It is obvious the Father expects us to reflect Him to a very dark earth in the end-times. Jesus specifically prayed the Father would not take us out. So the only other option is taking us through accomplishing His purpose and plan. Are you preparing to go through? How well do you know the Lord?