John 14:1-6
"Let
not your hearts be troubled; believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's
house are many rooms; if it were not so, would I have told you that I go to
prepare a place for you? And when I go and prepare a place for you, I will come
again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you
know the way where I am going." Thomas said to him, "Lord, we do not
know where you are going; how can we know the way?" Jesus said to him,
"I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father,
but by me."
-------------------------
Do
you allow any troubles to rob you of God's peace? As much as we try to avoid
it, we all inevitably encounter trouble and difficulties we find hard to
endure. Jesus knew his disciples would have to face trials and persecution
after he left them to return to his Father in heaven. Adversity can make us
lose hope and become discouraged, or it can press us closer to God and to his
promises. "It is the LORD who goes before you; he will be with you, he
will not fail you or forsake you; do not fear or be dismayed." Just as God went ahead of the Israelites in the wilderness to lead them
safely to the promised land, Jesus tells his disciples that he is going ahead
to prepare a place for them in God's house – a place of refuge, peace, and
security, and everlasting happiness. God's house is never closed nor crowded –
there is plenty of room for everyone who believes in God and in his beloved
Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. The greatest fear in this present life – whether it
be the separation and loss of life to a loved one or the threat to one's own
life – is put to rest by Jesus' promise that we will live forever with him and
the Father in their heavenly home with a great company of saints and angels who
will be our friends forever as well.
Do
you know the way to the Father's house? Jesus expected his disciples to know
where he was going and what their ultimate destination would be as well.
Thomas, who was both a doubter and a realist, spoke for all the disciples when
he said, "we neither know where you are going nor how we shall get there
on our own?" If you have never been to another land or traveled down
an unfamiliar road, you naturally want to know what your destination is and how
to get there safe and sound.
Jesus
knew that his followers could not find the way to the Father in heaven on their
own without his help. In fact, that is why the Father sent his Son into the
world on a rescue mission to restore those who were lost and without a guide.
Jesus made a statement which only God could make and deliver. Jesus proclaimed:
I am the Way. Through Moses and the prophets, God promised to guide his
people in a "holy way" so they could walk and live in his peace and
blessing. And a highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Holy Way;
the unclean shall not pass over it, and fools shall not err therein. You
shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left. You shall walk in all
the way which the Lord your God has commanded you. Teach me your way, O
Lord; and lead me on a level path.
The
Lord Jesus came to fulfill God's promise to bring his people, not simply to a land
flowing with milk and honey, but to a restored paradise and new creation where
we can dwell with God in perfect peace and unity. That is why Jesus
proclaims, I am the way, and the truth, and the life. Jesus does
not simply give advice and direction. He personally is the Way, and
we cannot miss it. Through his life-giving word and Spirit, Jesus leads and
guides us personally every day. The Lord Jesus also is the Truth. Many
can say, "I have taught you the truth." Only Jesus can say, I am
the Truth. Moral truth cannot be conveyed in words alone; it must be
conveyed in example. Jesus embodies the truth in his person. Jesus also is
the Life. He not only shows us the path of life; he gives
the kind of life which only God can give – abundant life which never fails nor
ends. Is there any fear or trouble that keeps you from the perfect peace and
happiness of a life surrendered to Jesus Christ?
-------------------------
"Lord
Jesus, you fill us with the joy of your saving presence and you give us the
hope of everlasting life with the Father in Heaven. Show me the Father that I
may always know and glorify him."
---
No comments:
Post a Comment