“I will not abandon you as orphans, I will come to you.” (John 14:18, NET)
Christians sometimes view the disciples as persons who did not experience doubt and weakness. They see the disciples as heroes and people with rock-solid faith. However, the gospels paint a different picture of the disciples. Their faith was shaky at times, even in crucial moments. Peter denied Jesus three times. Peter made a promise to Jesus that he did not keep when his life was threatened (Mark 14:31). The disciple Thomas was even dubbed “the doubter”, because he initially doubted Jesus’ resurrection. Let’s not forget that the disciples fled when the soldiers showed up to arrest Jesus. The disciples had moments of bravery and courage, times when they were spiritually strong; but they also had moments of doubt and weakness and insecurity.
John 14 kicks off with worry from the disciples. They heard Jesus talk about leaving. They heard Jesus’ sermons in which He hinted of offering Himself up. There were clearly warnings about the hatred of Jesus by the authorities, the scribes, and the Pharisees. Jesus’ preaching and teaching challenged political entities as well as religious leadership. Jesus and His disciples lived with the knowledge that John the Baptist was beheaded for the same views that Jesus carried in His teachings. With all the swirling danger from the powers that be, the disciples lived with the realization that their lives were on the line as long as they believed in Jesus. That’s why in John 14, Thomas asks Jesus, “How can we know the way?” (John 14:5). Thomas was concerned that the disciples would not know what to do without Jesus’ leadership. Jesus had to reassure the disciples with the words, “Let not your hearts be troubled, believe in God; believe also in me.” (John 14:1). The disciples were troubled. They had questions. They feared for the future.
In the midst of the turmoil and instability of Jesus’ ministry, today’s scripture contains a statement by Jesus to His fearful disciples. Jesus made clear to His followers, “I will NOT abandon you… I will come to you” (John 14:18). Jesus wanted His disciples to understand that no matter what happened He personally would be there for them. He would not “orphan” them. He would not desert them. Jesus kept this promise. Even after His death, Jesus was resurrected and came to be with them. Even when Jesus ascended to Heaven, He sent the Holy Spirit and angels to comfort them and guide His followers. The disciples were never left without a lifeline to Jesus.
When I met with a soldier who had served in Iraq during the Gulf War, I could perceive his hurt. He was suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. He lost several close friends in one day due to an ambush during the war. The memories of that day haunted his dreams and fueled his nightmares. When I asked him what kept him going during the days following the ambush, he responded, “I picked up a Bible that a member of my church had sent me. It was one of those small portable Bibles. I poured over the scriptures looking for answers. I spoke to a chaplain. I prayed. Honestly, that Bible and those spiritual moments kept me sane. They were what helped me hold it together during my time overseas.”
In my conversations with that soldier, I realized that the only comfort he found that had any lasting effect was his faith in Jesus. That soldier found great comfort that Jesus was with him throughout the deployment, with him on that terrible day of the ambush, and did not leave him afterward when he needed Jesus even more. The young soldier felt God’s hand upon his life. To this day, he encourages other soldiers to lean on Jesus to help their recovery from the memories of war.
In the scripture above, Jesus promised the disciples that He would not leave them orphaned. He would be there for them. This also applies to you. Since you are a present-day disciple of the Lord Jesus, you too can be assured that Jesus will be present with you. The Holy Spirit will keep you connected with Christ. God knows what is going on in your life right now. God will not abandon you. God will be with you. Jesus’ last words when in bodily form with His disciples was that he would “be with them always” (Matthew 28:20). Do you realize that this promise also applies to you?
When life gets crazy, take time to be with Jesus. He is with you always. When you are saddled with burdens difficult to bear, pour out your soul to God. He is with you always. When doubts and insecurities rear their ugly heads in your thoughts and heart, lean on the strength God gives. Jesus is with you always. When you don’t know where to turn and don’t know which way to go, listen for the Holy Spirit to guide you. Jesus is with you always. His Holy Spirit will give you courage and direction. God the Father already has a place for you in His heaven.
Faithful follower of Jesus, you are not abandoned by God and alone… ever. I mean EVER.
John 14 kicks off with worry from the disciples. They heard Jesus talk about leaving. They heard Jesus’ sermons in which He hinted of offering Himself up. There were clearly warnings about the hatred of Jesus by the authorities, the scribes, and the Pharisees. Jesus’ preaching and teaching challenged political entities as well as religious leadership. Jesus and His disciples lived with the knowledge that John the Baptist was beheaded for the same views that Jesus carried in His teachings. With all the swirling danger from the powers that be, the disciples lived with the realization that their lives were on the line as long as they believed in Jesus. That’s why in John 14, Thomas asks Jesus, “How can we know the way?” (John 14:5). Thomas was concerned that the disciples would not know what to do without Jesus’ leadership. Jesus had to reassure the disciples with the words, “Let not your hearts be troubled, believe in God; believe also in me.” (John 14:1). The disciples were troubled. They had questions. They feared for the future.
In the midst of the turmoil and instability of Jesus’ ministry, today’s scripture contains a statement by Jesus to His fearful disciples. Jesus made clear to His followers, “I will NOT abandon you… I will come to you” (John 14:18). Jesus wanted His disciples to understand that no matter what happened He personally would be there for them. He would not “orphan” them. He would not desert them. Jesus kept this promise. Even after His death, Jesus was resurrected and came to be with them. Even when Jesus ascended to Heaven, He sent the Holy Spirit and angels to comfort them and guide His followers. The disciples were never left without a lifeline to Jesus.
When I met with a soldier who had served in Iraq during the Gulf War, I could perceive his hurt. He was suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. He lost several close friends in one day due to an ambush during the war. The memories of that day haunted his dreams and fueled his nightmares. When I asked him what kept him going during the days following the ambush, he responded, “I picked up a Bible that a member of my church had sent me. It was one of those small portable Bibles. I poured over the scriptures looking for answers. I spoke to a chaplain. I prayed. Honestly, that Bible and those spiritual moments kept me sane. They were what helped me hold it together during my time overseas.”
In my conversations with that soldier, I realized that the only comfort he found that had any lasting effect was his faith in Jesus. That soldier found great comfort that Jesus was with him throughout the deployment, with him on that terrible day of the ambush, and did not leave him afterward when he needed Jesus even more. The young soldier felt God’s hand upon his life. To this day, he encourages other soldiers to lean on Jesus to help their recovery from the memories of war.
In the scripture above, Jesus promised the disciples that He would not leave them orphaned. He would be there for them. This also applies to you. Since you are a present-day disciple of the Lord Jesus, you too can be assured that Jesus will be present with you. The Holy Spirit will keep you connected with Christ. God knows what is going on in your life right now. God will not abandon you. God will be with you. Jesus’ last words when in bodily form with His disciples was that he would “be with them always” (Matthew 28:20). Do you realize that this promise also applies to you?
When life gets crazy, take time to be with Jesus. He is with you always. When you are saddled with burdens difficult to bear, pour out your soul to God. He is with you always. When doubts and insecurities rear their ugly heads in your thoughts and heart, lean on the strength God gives. Jesus is with you always. When you don’t know where to turn and don’t know which way to go, listen for the Holy Spirit to guide you. Jesus is with you always. His Holy Spirit will give you courage and direction. God the Father already has a place for you in His heaven.
Faithful follower of Jesus, you are not abandoned by God and alone… ever. I mean EVER.