Truly Truly (John 14:12-19) 200407
Before I go to Judas (not Iscariot), there is this section of teaching by Jesus (v12-19). Though I can include it into either as Jesus’ reply to Philip or a prelude leading to Judas’ question in v22. I think I want to reflect upon it separately, because there are much truth in it.
This semester is coming to an end soon. Before it can end, I have to complete all my assignments, and I have just printed out a more than 5000 words paper to be submitted today. And I still have 3 more papers to be handed in before 11th May and 2 exams to sit for and 1 stack of readings assignments to be completed also before 11th May. On top of these, I have a preaching assignment on 29th April and conducting a seminar for parents to understand youths on 28th April. And there are still others things to be done in this one month time which I have forgotten already.
This is the life of a student. But thank be to God that I have a Helper who will be with me to help me through this season of stress. Jesus said that He will give us a Helper (v16) and He is the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth (v17). In context, Jesus had informed His disciples that He was going back to His Father, and He once again explained His Divine nature is same as the Father and through Him, the disciples can know that Father (13:36-14:11).
If I am one of the disciple then, I will be panicked. What shall the disciples do after Jesus left? How shall they do it? Don’t we sometimes also feel like that? When we are facing difficult decision to make, or life crisis or even stressful situation (like me), what shall we do? Your friends will give all sorts of advise, and your Bible study leader or pastor will ask you to trust God and His Word. But you will ask, how? How can you trust God?
Jesus assured His disciples that they can ask whatever or anything in His name (v13a, 14), He will do it, because that will glorify Him. This comes with one condition, that is to love Him and keep His commandments (v15). And very often we neglect this verse. We want God to answer our prayer, but we do not really love Him and keep His commandments. I don’t think that it is wrong when your Bible study leader or pastor asks you to trust God His Word. Basically, these are the expression that we love God and keep His commandments, though there is no guarantee that by reading His Word will translate into keeping His Word.
Jesus did not leave us alone to try to keep His commandments or even love Him, He asked he Father to give us a Helper, that He may be with us forever (v16). Jesus loves us and will not leaves us as orphans (v18). Jesus desire was that we will live in Him as He lives in us (v20). Is Jesus living in you? What does it mean for Jesus to live in you?
I suggest that a loving relationship is a the strongest evident of Jesus living in us. I do not want to be legalistic that by doing quiet time regularly is the only way to loving relationship with Christ. But I am sure that if we do not even have a moment to spend with Jesus, that speaks of Jesus’ position in our life. What authority does Jesus and His word over your life?
Yes, I am stressed by all the demands from the school, family and even ministries, but I my daily time with my Lord helps me to realign my life and my faith in Him. My devotion and reflection of His Word give me direction and principles to live by. My patience in waiting for the Lord in the morning (not necessary must be morning) allows Holy Spirit to breathe in me a spirit of hope and strength and encouragement. I still have to finished my assignments and all other stuffs, I also have to deal with my back pain which I am experience now, but I have confident that the Helper will indeed help me through it all.
Truly, truly, this is the truth.
