There are passages of Scripture that are so concise that when we read them we can easily miss their full impact. We read them and acknowledge what they say, but the life brings home their impact with brut force. One such verse is found in John's Gospel. As Jesus prepared the Apostles for His departure, He simply stated, "In this world you will have trouble" (16:33). Several times in His Last Supper Discourse to the Apostles Jesus addressed the issue that faithfulness to Him, His Word, and His Way would be difficult. His disciples would face opposition as well as life's troubles. If they were not properly prepared, they would loose heart and become discouraged. Compassionately, but forthrightly, on the night He would be betrayed, Jesus drew them close and taught them what they needed to know to stand firm and strong in a trouble world. These lessons are for us too.
Right at the outset of this intimate teaching time, Jesus instructed, "Do not let your hearts be troubled" (14:1a). Easier said than done! How are we to do this? It is not simple a matter of will. We've all tried that. Is there a secret to keeping our hearts at rest in troubled times, as well as peace ones? Actually, it's not a secret at all. Jesus made it clear throughout His discourse that night. It all begins with "Trust in God; trust also in." (John 14:1b)
Most often, we tend to quickly rush to that which follows verse one, "in my Father's house there are many rooms." This is dangerous, for Jesus did not make that jump. Rather, He first dealt with the here and now. Our hope and trust does not rest in heaven's reality. Our hope and trust are in Christ Jesus! Christians do not have an "Orphan Annie" perspective that shouts, "Tomorrow, there must be tomorrow." As comforting as it is to know that this world is not our home, that there is a place being prepared from us, this fact does not calm the troubled hearts. Indeed, the comfort we have that there is such a place for us beyond this realm is grounded in our faith, our trust, in Christ Jesus. We do not discount this wonderful comforting certainty, but our hope cannot rest here. Our hope and comfort are in Christ alone.
"Trust in God; trust also in me." If we are to experience peace in the midst of the life's storms, trusting Christ Jesus is where it begins and remains. This is where we find courage to stand firm in the difficult times. This is how we continue in the face of opposition. "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of it. Remember the words I spoke to you" (15:18-20). Simply put, "Trust Me." Our trust and hope are in the One who is victorious over sin and death. "Take heart. I have overcome the world," Jesus announced (16:33)
There is an abundance of magnificent heart to heart teaching for in this intimate discourse, which is crucial to our faithful holy living and experiencing His peace. However, this is where we start and this must remain constant throughout, Trust in God; Trust also in Jesus!
Keep Close to Jesus
Pastor Gerry