In John 17, we can see the depths of Abba and the Lord’s hearts, where many treasures are hidden. Abba and the Lord’s hearts are so beautiful. The night before the Lord’s crucifixion, not only did He wash the disciples’ feet, He also set up a love feast for us and everyone in God’s family. This love feast will last for a lifetime. Again and again, He had opened His heart and made known Abba. He wanted us to see we are one bread. He wanted us to love one another as He loved us. In the prayer, He mentioned five times that we were to be one, and seven times that we were the ones Abba had given to Him. He said that He loved us as Abba loved Him, and that the love with which Abba had loved Him might be in us.
He told us His love secrets in the depth of His heart. The last verse of John 17 says, “…and I in them.” (verse 26) He mentioned earlier that He loved us as Abba loved Him. He also mentioned His love desire: “Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world.” (verse 24) How precious! Before the foundation of the world, we have been in Abba’s love thoughts and dream, in the love dream of Abba for His Beloved Son, and we were in the Lord’s love dream. God’s family is also with Him. Where He is, He wants us all to be with Him.
The Lord said that in His Father’s house, that is, in New Jerusalem, are many rooms. If it were not so, He would have told us. It’s so precious that there’s a dwelling place for you and me! He said He went to prepare a place for us. His love desire is for us to be with Him in the Father’s house, the most glorious and beautiful home that is full of warmth, where we can enjoy Abba’s deepest affection and the Lord’s most beautiful and deepest love.
I was indeed fearfully and wonderfully made. It’s even more fearful that I’ve been born again! Though I was created, I was born of God. Jacob’s life was bound up in his son Benjamin’s. I also want us to realize more deeply that our lives are bound up in Abba’s. Forever, it’s the deepest life union in this whole universe, far deeper than that of Jacob and Benjamin, which is in the flesh.
The Lord also said on earth that He was not alone, but that the Father was with Him. (John 8:16) No matter where I am, I will never be by myself, as my life is forever bound up in His. My spirit is deeply united with Abba’s.
I’ve known Abba for over 60 years. The day I was saved was so unforgettable. I experienced God’s embrace, and His presence was so great. I had never experienced such great joy in my life. I used to be so shy and was not interested in music, but I sang all the way as I walked home. That day, Abba was more joyous than I. He shouted for joy. Abba offered up so much and really desired to gain me since eternity past. His love dream has come true, that He has finally gained me as His true child. Abba’s joy is inexpressible–He embraced me to the depth of His heart and kissed me with many kisses.
I give thanks that recently I have also had deep, unforgettable experiences with Abba, and I had a special evening with the Lord. Both Abba and the Lord’s love are so fresh.