“Listen, a time is coming, in fact, it is here, when you will be scattered, everyone to his own home. You will leave me all alone.” – John 16:32a EHV
Isn’t it interesting that these words were spoken by Jesus? He knew He would be separated from everyone. So, was He anxious, discouraged, or angry?
His next words give insight into His state of mind and emotions when He said, “Yet I am not going to be alone, because the Father is with me. I have told you these things, so that you may have peace in me. In this world, you are going to have trouble. But be courageous! I have overcome the world.” – John 16:32b-33 EHV
There are three key points from this:
1) Although physically distant from them, he had an advantage. His Father was with Him.
2) Instead of fretting, He gave comfort & reassurance to those who would be in seclusion.
3) He knew they would face problems and wanted them to trust Him by having courage.
Throughout the world, many people are sheltering-at-home due to coronavirus pandemic. Some are feeling overwhelmed by being confined and separated from family, friends, co-workers, and others for weeks. However, just like Jesus, we are isolated but never alone, because He has given us a gift, the Holy Spirit.
Jesus speaks to this in John 14:16-17 (TPT), “And I will ask the Father and he will give you another Savior, the Holy Spirit of Truth, who will be to you a friend just like me—and he will never leave you. The world won’t receive him because they can’t see him or know him. But you will know him intimately because he will make his home in you and will live inside you.”
In the Amplified version, He is described as a Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, and Standby). We could all use this type of 24/7 support!
What should we do if we are not a Christian? “Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’” – Acts 2:38 NIV
Receive the Holy Spirit and know that He is with you always and ready to help you through anything.
Thank you for your time. Be Blessed… LR Maddox
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