As a nation we are uncertain about our future. The cultural and societal changes being driven by the social justice warriors and generational culture changes have brought this uncertainty on us. The uncertainty has found its way into our churches as well.

For the disciples this was a time of great uncertainty. Taking some literary liberty I get the impression that they were confused and uncertain about what Jesus is saying to them in this chapter. Consider this…there are many things happening in our world today that impact our life and not always in a good way. I try hard to keep the blogs from “The Pew” out of the politics of the day. If you are a Christian and have done your homework you know that from the Garden to this very day sin and the cost of it have always been with us. As an example…Leviticus is a book of the OT that is mostly about laws that kept the Hebrew people safe, healthy and peaceful. The laws found here were applied from 1445 bc until shortly after the death of Christ and the Temple being destroyed in 70AD. It is an important book because of the many laws contained in it are for the Jewish People and are seldom studied by Christians because Jesus freed us from the letter of the law. Scripture is always easily applied to situations of the current day. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 

16 All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work.

I believe we all would welcome some good works right now. I find it hard to believe that most Americans are satisfied with the “State of The Union” at this point in time. Let’s go back aways to the conversation Jesus was having with his disciples in Chapter 14. The ministry had never been an easy one and as time went by and His following increased, the pressure from both the Roman Government and Jewish influencers was I am sure felt by Jesus, the disciples and followers. Allow me to make another point…These 12 ordinary men were walking, talking, being instructed by no less than God incarnate …. How awesome is that! Jesus is slowly bringing them along on His journey to the cross and they fail to see not just a promise but a revelation! 

John 5:6-7

5 Thomas said to him, ‘Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?’ 6 Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you know me, you will know my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.’

In verses 15-17 of chapter 14 Jesus promises to send a helper to the disciples…

John 14:15–17  ‘If you love me, keep my commandments; and I will ask the Father and he will give you another helper to be with you forever, I mean the Spirit of Truth. The world cannot receive him, because it does not see him or know him. But you know him because he remains among you and will be within you.’ 

Notice, Jesus equates their love for Him by keeping His commandments. One test of love is obedience. Jesus showed his love for God by His obedience to him.A bit of trivia here. Jesus knew we were weak and he prepared us for that weakness he knew would lay heavy on us after he was gone. The authorized version gives it as the comforter. The Greek word is really untranslatable…one early theologian translates it as helper. If that does anything for it, it certainly adds a richness to the doctrine of the Holy Spirit…it simply means someone who is called in. Works for me. How often in the turmoil of this world do we have to call in the spirit to strengthen and lift us up in times of uncertainty? 

John 14:18-24

18 ‘I will not leave you orphaned; I am coming to you. 19 In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me; because I live, you also will live. 20 On that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. 21 They who have my commandments and keep them are those who love me; and those who love me will be loved by my Father, and I will love them and reveal myself to them.’ 22 Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, ‘Lord, how is it that you will reveal yourself to us, and not to the world?’ 23 Jesus answered him, ‘Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. 24 Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; and the word that you hear is not mine, but is from the Father who sent me.

Here is yet another promise to not forget. We wrap this blog up with verses 25-27 chapter 14, another promise.

John 14:25-27

25 ‘I have said these things to you while I am still with you. 26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. 

There is much in this world to cause us to fear the day or hesitate to give thanks for all we have…just remember the Promises. 

Life is Good

jk