Not Home Yet

Posted by Tim

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Remember that first day of kindergarten for your oldest child? You had lots of last minute instructions and comments. "Mind your manners. Pay attention because you're going to learn a lot that will serve you later in life (well, maybe you didn't say that but you thought it). If it rains, I'll come pick you up. Here's the lunch I made you. Your teacher is real nice, and I know she'll love you. Try to get to know the other children." Any time someone you love embarks on something new that will take them away from familiar surroundings, thoughts like this run through your mind.

In the last half of John Chapter 14, the events just prior to Christ's death on the cross are reported. And remember, He knew what was ahead. He was about to leave the constant companionship of the disciples, and He had some last minute instructions for them. These instructions apply to us even today, 2,000 years later. Pastor Tom highlighted some to give us a better understanding of this section of Scripture and to serve as an encouragement to us.

There's a Purpose. In John 14:12 He says, "...greater works than these shall he do because I go to the Father." Our purpose is to share the completed work of Christ with the world.

We have a Promise. In verse 14 Christ says, "If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it." Christ has given us direct access to the Father through prayer. It's a promise like no other.

The challenge is to practice Perfect Love. When you truly love someone, it's a lot easier to do good things for them. Verses 15 helps us grasp this concept. "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments." Or, as Tom noted, you can't pray one way and play another.

We're given Permanent Gifts. He promises, as recorded in John 14:16, 15:26, 16:13, and many other places that He will send the Holy Spirit to be our teacher, to help us recall His words, as a confirmation of who Christ is, to guide us, to be our constant companion.

Peace will surround us.On Sunday we sang the hymn "It Is Well with My Soul." "Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come...it is well, it is well, with my soul." Take a moment and reflect on the words in John 14:27. "Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you...let not your heart be troubled nor let it be fearful." Then you'll sing with meaning, "It is well, it is well, with my soul."

Remember these instructions from Christ as your week unfolds. Remember the purpose He gave us, the promise He made, His challenge to live in perfect love, to make use of the gifts of the Spirit, and to relish the peace that comes through knowing our eternal future. As Charles Spurgeon is quoted as saying, "The grand object of the Christian ministry is the glory of God." May this be your goal today, tomorrow, and the rest of your life.