Fri.-Sabbath, 1/31-2/2/25 Devotion

Bless the Lord—it is almost Sunday! As we prepare to worship God in church on the New Covenant Sabbath Day, let us enjoy these good words from Thomas Watson’s, "All Things for Good.” . . .

"Christ is in heaven . . . and He prays for all believers as well as He did for the apostles. ‘I do not pray for these alone, but for all of them that shall be-lieve in Me,’ (Jn. 17:20). When a Christian is weak, and can hardly pray for himself, Jesus Christ is praying for him; and He prays for three things. First, that the saints may be kept from sin (Jn. 17:15): 'I pray that You would keep them from evil.' We live in the world as in a cesspool; Christ prays that His saints may not be infected with the contagious evil of the times. Second, for His people’s progress in holiness: 'Sanctify them,’ (Jn. 17:17). Let them have constant supplies of the Spirit, and be anointed with fresh oil. Third, for their glorification: 'Father, I will that those which You have given Me, be with Me where I am,’ (Jn. 17:24). Christ is not content till the saints are in His arms. This prayer, which He made on earth, is the copy and pattern of His prayer in heaven. What a comfort is this; when Satan is tempting, Christ is praying! This works for our good."