“I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one.” John 17:15 (ESV)
The context of these words is the prayer Jesus offered on behalf of His disciples but not only for them, for us as well. His requests were for all “who will believe in me through their word,” (John 17:20). We do not find in Scripture encouragement to ask God to let us die. Christians may say and look forward to getting out of this world, but isn't it when we are in the middle of struggling with trouble or trials. We might even claim that it is “Because we would be with the Lord.” But mostly we want to be with the Lord, to avoid the difficulties and temptations in our daily lives. There is likely no true yearning to be with the Lord, it is because we desire to escape trouble. We want to get home, not so much for the Savior’s company, as to get out of the little hard work. Jesus’ prayer here is for God to NOT take us out of the world because of trouble but promise to protect us and keep us from the enemy of our soul while we continue the work of proclaiming the glory of God.
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