It’s life (1) John…
The story goes that as Jesus arrived back in heaven, after his time on earth, he was approached by Gabriel. “Do the people of the world know all about you, how you loved them and what you did for them?” he asked.
“Not yet,” Jesus said, “at the moment only a handful of people in Israel know.”
Gabriel asked, “So what have you done, so that everyone will know about your love for them?”
“Well, I’ve asked Peter, James, John and a few others to tell people about me,” Jesus said. “Those who are told will in turn tell others and the gospel will spread through all the earth. Ultimately everyone will hear about me and what I have done for them.”
Gabriel frowned and looked sceptical. He knew people weren’t dependable. “Yes he said, but what if Peter, James and John grow weary? What if those who come after them forget? What if people get too busy to tell others? Haven’t you made any other plans?”
“I have no other plans”, Jesus said, “I’m relying on them.”
We all still have a place in God’s plan. He’s relying on us. As Jesus prepares to leave the disciples on earth he prays for them. He is passing the baton on. He’s passed on to them the message God had given him. They are the one’s staying in the world, it’s up to them now to pass that message on – to give glory to him.
We too are part of those who God has left behind to live for him, to bring glory to him. If we believe in our hearts, we have his testimony in us. And what we believe in our hearts, we have to live in our lives.
What an onerous calling! We have been entrusted with a precious gift – Knowledge of his love, and the life he offers. Life whose source is in Jesus. Life with a purpose. Life with reason. Life for everyone – and we need to share that, to show the world how life can be.
It may not always be easy to live for God in the world, that’s why Jesus is praying this prayer, but it is our calling, our raison d’etre, and our joy. We need to live it.
As I was thinking about this, I turned to one of the sites I use for devotions, The Northumbria Community, and this just “happened” to be the reading for the day, which sums things up.
Seven times a day, as I work upon this hungry farm,I say to Thee,
‘Lord, why am I here?
What is there here to stir my gifts to growth?
What great thing can I do for others – I who am captive to this dreary toil?’
And seven times a day Thou answerest,
‘I cannot do without thee.
Once did My Son live thy life,
and by His faithfulness did show My mind,
My kindness, and My truth to men.
But now He is come to My side, and thou must take His place.’
From Hebridean Altars
Pam's Perambulation 
The trouble with us is that in our world we live in a society where instant results matter. God’s world isn’t like that. When we sow the seeds of his word they may not come to fruition for years. So we followers of Jesus have to have patience. We may not see the results of the seeds we sow, but it is still important for us to pass the message on to others and leave the rest to God – his time (and patience) is infinite, unlike ours.