In His prayer, not long before crucifixion, Jesus prayed that the believers not be taken out of the world, but be kept from evil or stand against this evil world.
I ask on their behalf; I do not ask on behalf of the world, but of those whom You have given Me; for they are Yours… I do not ask You to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one… Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth. (Jn. 17)
Jesus knew that His followers would face many trials and difficulties. Surely, it’s hard to keep the faith in such a sinful, adulterous world. Therefore, deep concern for you and me lied heavy on the Lord’s heart. He knew His time had come; His mission was almost finished. But Jesus was in anguish as He saw every believer that would need to take a stand against evil. He prayed that the Father sanctify us by the truth in hard moments, when darkness threatens to consume us. He asked for the Father to open our eyes to see His many wonderful promises written in the Word of God for us. So that by reading them, we would receive encouragement and strength to go on and do His will.
Pavel Gurzhiy