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Tuesday, April 21, 2020

Be Not Afraid

4/21/2020
John 14:9 “Have I been so long with you, and yet hast thou not known Me, Philip?”

John 14 is a very powerful chapter of scripture, and I would recommend reading the full text. Jesus is speaking with His disciples about what is to come. It starts out with, “Do not let your hearts be troubled.” V.1 He then speaks of preparing a place for them, and that they will know the way. Thomas asks how this is possible, and Jesus says, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to my Father except through Me.” V.6 Then Jesus speaks of an advocate, a Spirit of Truth that will be with them forever. “On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in Me, and I am in you.” V.20 He speaks of the Holy Trinity, a difficult concept for many even now. I can only imagine how Jesus’ disciples were trying to process all that was being told to them. Jesus goes on, “But the Advocate, The Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” V.26

This all happens right as Jesus is preparing to be arrested and sacrificed. His disciples still did not understand. They would see Jesus put to death, fall into grief and fear, and then see Him rise again. Then, at Pentecost, the Holy Spirit would come upon them. It would all be as Jesus had told them.

In these dark days, we are also afraid and confused; nothing seems to make any sense, and our lives have been turned upside-down. Yet just like the disciples, we can believe and hold fast to the Advocate of Truth. We can pray to our Savior and ask for wisdom, strength, and peace.  We can ask for an indwelling of the Holy Spirit so that others can see Jesus in us. We can, in all the mayhem, keep a simple and abiding faith in our loving and Heavenly Father. Chambers says, “God never guides presently, but always now. Realize that the Lord is here now, and the emancipation is immediate.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” V.27

Be Not Afraid -  John Michael Talbot

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