Christ’s first request on behalf of His own is that the Father might keep them in His own name. Robert Murray McCheyne said, ‘If I could hear Christ praying for me in the next room, I would not fear a million enemies. Yet distance makes no difference. He is praying for me.’ It is when we forget His loving care and effectual intercession for us that we become anxious and troubled by life’s circumstances, even at times doubting our very salvation. The security of our souls ultimately lies in the keeping power of God. McCheyne has also said, “For every look at self, take ten looks at Christ.”
To whom do you look for safety and salvation – yourself or Christ? Oh how oft we try to save ourselves, our children, our families by trying to change our circumstances. But are we here to enjoy life in as safe an environment as possible? Are we here to recreate the world as we think it should be? In John 17: 11 and 15, it is clear that Jesus’ prayer is not that we could ever be safe from the world, but rather He has prayed to keep us safe in the world, while assuming that the world is a dangerous place to be.