October 30
John13:31-38; Mark 14:27-31; Matthew 26:31-35; Luke 22:31-38; John14:1-15:17
What are the last things you would want to teach before you die? Are there certain messages you would want to convey to friends or family? As Jesus approached his death, he had a few final instructions for his disciples. First, he promised them they would always be with him. Jesus used the image of a palace with sets of rooms for all his followers and he promised he would take them to be with him. Though he will leave for a time, this separation will not be permanent. Second, he promises to send an advocate, the Holy Spirit. Jesus will not abandon his followers but will give them the Holy Spirit to live within them. Third, Jesus promises to come back for them. Upon Jesus' death, the disciples will flee and feel like their adventure with Jesus is over, but these three promises show how wrong their initial response was to the crucifixion.
Jesus promises again and again that he will be with his disciples in the form of the Spirit, is preparing a permanent home for them, and will return to Earth so they can live with him forever. What seems like the power of death to separate will prove to be the means God will use to secure our eternal relationship with him. So, when we feel alone or abandoned, we can remember these same promises of Jesus and know he is with us.
Father God, thank you that you never leave us nor forsake us. Thank you that Jesus is preparing my eternal home and I will live with you forever. Amen.
How can we remember God's presence amid pain and difficulty?
What are the last things you would want to teach before you die? Are there certain messages you would want to convey to friends or family? As Jesus approached his death, he had a few final instructions for his disciples. First, he promised them they would always be with him. Jesus used the image of a palace with sets of rooms for all his followers and he promised he would take them to be with him. Though he will leave for a time, this separation will not be permanent. Second, he promises to send an advocate, the Holy Spirit. Jesus will not abandon his followers but will give them the Holy Spirit to live within them. Third, Jesus promises to come back for them. Upon Jesus' death, the disciples will flee and feel like their adventure with Jesus is over, but these three promises show how wrong their initial response was to the crucifixion.
Jesus promises again and again that he will be with his disciples in the form of the Spirit, is preparing a permanent home for them, and will return to Earth so they can live with him forever. What seems like the power of death to separate will prove to be the means God will use to secure our eternal relationship with him. So, when we feel alone or abandoned, we can remember these same promises of Jesus and know he is with us.
Father God, thank you that you never leave us nor forsake us. Thank you that Jesus is preparing my eternal home and I will live with you forever. Amen.
How can we remember God's presence amid pain and difficulty?
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