Today’s scripture: John 14:18-31 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Steve Adams):
Peace I leave you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Jesus tries to prepare and protect the disciples from something that would, without his comfort, devastate them. Their Teacher, their Savior, their “God-with-us” will soon be mocked, shamed, and brutally crucified on a cross. No, their souls could not survive this! In the end, of course, they did survive (and thrive) thanks to his promises to be with them — and in them! Also, the Holy Spirit, the Advocate and Comforter, would remind them of his teachings, and even teach them new truths.
How comforting it is to know Jesus does not give to us as the world gives. “The world” contains stunning evidences of God’s love, care, and faithfulness. Yet it also contains evil, destruction, and hate. Clearly, evil has infiltrated God’s creation. Jesus tells us to pray for God’s will to be done on earth as it is in Heaven. What great wisdom! Heaven is the place where God’s will is always done — certainly not earth. The Japan earthquake, U.S. tornado outbreak, and African drought are three examples from 2011 that all is not well on planet earth. Amidst all the good, evil challenges.
When Jesus triumphed over death, he became “bulletproof” in the face of evil. Have you ever seen the great painting of a confident, serene, and strong Shepherd holding the frightened lamb? That’s what he offered the disciples, and that’s what he offers us! He’ll pick us up during the worst storm, and even if we die, he’ll carry us through the mayhem into eternal life! I think we’ve all had times in our lives when external or internal hardship made us think, “I just can’t make it through this.” But then we turn to Jesus, and we find limitless, unfailing love for eternity — and no one is missed!
Note: while I was writing this, I learned the shocking news of the stage collapse tragedy at the Indiana State Fair on August 13, 2011. May God continue to help the families of those who were killed, as well as all those who were injured, to experience the healing touch of the Shepherd’s hand.
Thought for the day: God, help me face the fact that there are some tragedies I simply could not handle by myself. They would devastate me. Please help me learn to give it all to you, to trust you. Help me pass through the devastation of the world into your loving arms.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.