John 17:15-18
My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.
Jesus knew God had the power to take us out of the evil world to protect us, but that was not his prayer. He prayed that we would stay, but have God's hand of protection on us - Jesus understood there was work to be done!
Merriam-Webster defines sanctify as "to set apart to a sacred purpose." Jesus prayed that we would be sanctified - and he says we are set apart by truth - the truth that comes from God's word.
Just as God sent His son Jesus into the world to do His work, so has Jesus commissioned us as believers into the world to continue that work.
Lord, help me to continue your work in this world, and protect me from the evil one. Set me apart by the truth of your word.
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