"Let not your heart be troubled." This admonition was issued by Jesus to the apostles. It was given following Jesus' devastating revelation that He was going to be leaving them shortly, and they would not be able to follow Him.
What a time for the twelve. They had devoted their lives to Jesus and had forsaken all to follow Him. Now He tells them, you can't follow me. What difficulty that would have presented to them. Jesus is leaving us. So Jesus issues this reassuring statement to begin John chapter 14, "Let not your heart be troubled."
Jesus then lays out a most convincing case why His disciples should not allow their hearts to be troubled by His nearing departure. These can also be applied to us and our troubles.
1)"In my Father's house are many mansions..." Heaven is waiting on the other side of eternity. Death is not the end.
2)"I go to prepare a place for you." Heaven is waiting for obedient believers, and if we are found faithful God has a specific place prepared for us.
3)"I come again..." Jesus will surely be coming once more. When God's will is accomplished and this earth is done, Jesus will come. Those in the graves will rise; those alive at His coming will meet in the sky and following the judgment.
4)"And will receive you unto myself..." We will be in the care of our Lord. Jesus who is currently reigning over His kingdom, will at the end turn the kingdom (its constituent parts - Christians) over to the Father (1 Cor. 15:24ff.) We will be in the bosom of our Lord and Savior, and God the Father. What a beautiful thought.
5)"That where I am, there ye may be also." Jesus assures His disciples that while He may be absent for a time; the hour would come when they could be reunited. Likewise we are encouraged by that hope of uniting with our Lord in Heaven. Faithful Christians shall Spend eternity with Him, the Creator and Savior of mankind. Wow! What a blessed thought.
So, when your heart is troubled by the trivial matters in this world, by cares that would choke your faith, and rob you of your hope remember these wonderful words, words that should give confidence to God's children, "Let not your heart be troubled."
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Thank you. We ought not act as if there is no hope for the future, because our hope is not limited to the issues of this life. Christians ought to be able to face each day with confidence, knowing that we have hope of eternal life in Christ. The Christians of the first century, under harsh Roman rule, were challenged to keep their focus on things spiritual. I think that's a lesson we need to learn as well.
ReplyDelete