November 4

Divine Protection

I will no longer be in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to You. Holy Father, protect them by Your name, the name You gave Me, so that they may be one as We are one. — John 17:11 BSB

There is unmatched tenderness in the picture these words from our Lord’s intercessory prayer paint. Imagine a dying mother about to leave her children behind in this world, vulnerable to all its dangers. During her life, she cared for them with tenderness and devotion. Now, as she prepares to leave, she can no longer protect them. But she cannot depart without entrusting them to someone who can shelter and care for them. Looking up to God, she commends her children to His protection, knowing He will never leave them and will always be present to watch over them.

In the same way, Jesus, about to leave His disciples, commends them to His Father’s care in their time of need and danger. This prayer shows us two things. First, it gives us a glimpse into the heart of our Savior and His deep, tender love for His disciples. It should bring us great comfort to know that He has the same love for us if we are His. Whenever we face danger, He looks down on us with deep affection and intercedes for us just as He did for His disciples.

Second, this prayer assures us that if we belong to Christ, we are under divine protection. We cannot keep ourselves, but we have the Lord as our keeper; His almighty wings cover us wherever we go. I have slept in war camps with the enemy near, but we laid down in peace because sentinels watched over us. In the same way, God’s angels encamp around His children, and the Lord watches over those who trust Him. To have Christ as our Savior means we have divine protection and care.