“I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine.  And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them.” John 17:9-10.

Thine is an Old English or religious word that shows ownership or belonging. In John 17:9-10, Jesus prays for His disciples—those who believe in Him, not the world. God the Father gave them to Jesus, and everything that belongs to the Father also belongs to the Son, Jesus Christ. The Father and the Son are one!

The good news is that Jesus’ prayer includes all born-again believers; we belong to God. As it says: “And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them.” John 17:10. If you read a bit further, Jesus goes on to say that He has prepared the way for us since the foundation of the world: “Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word.”

The love of God towards us is outright amazing. He prays that we may have His joy, peace, protection, and sanctification in His truth, and that His glory may ultimately be manifested through our lives, so that the world will know that we belong to Him! 

Jesus’ prayer continues as He asks the Father that where He is, there we may be also – God’s unconditional love for us is expressed through it all! “I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.” John 17:23.

I can’t speak for others, but I have the assurance that I belong to the Lord. He is the lover and keeper of my soul. He is the All-Sufficient One who provides for all that I need. He healeth all mine diseases and makes a way out of no way, and absolutely nothing and no one can separate me from His love! 

Therefore,  I can proclaim with confidence that I am Thine, O Lord! “And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.” John 10:28.

My friends, there is no safer place to be than in the care of our Savior. Whatever we need, He will supply, and where we are headed on this journey called life, He will lead!  

The 23rd Psalm powerfully expresses His sovereign authority, protection, and love for all His beloved children. Truly, with all that is within our hearts, we can proclaim: I am Thine, O Lord, and can trust in the promises that David concludes with these words: “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.” Psalm 23:6.

I am Thine, O Lord, I have heard Thy voice,
And it told Thy love to me;
But I long to rise in the arms of faith,
And be closer drawn to Thee.

May God’s blessings and great mercy be with you all.