| True Security (John 14:1-4) |
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What do you worry about most -- health, family, home, financial security, being alone? During my life, at one time or another, I've been anxious about each of these. Yeah, I know about Philippians 4:6, but it's easier said than lived. Of these anxieties, I've probably struggled most with security. As the leader in my home, I've felt a tremendous responsibility of providing security in the form of finances, home, school, etc. Yet, we aren't promised security here.
However, we are promised true security. Perhaps, the disciples were struggling with the same thing as Jesus informed him that he would not be with them much longer. He sensed their anxiety of imagining life without him -- the man, the leader, the rabbi, the Messiah who had guided them for 3 years. Jesus responded:
14:1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 14:2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if [it were] not [so], I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, [there] ye may be also. 14:4 And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.
He calms them first expressing to them that he senses and knows they are anxious. Are we sensitive to the anxieties of those around us or are we too busy thinking about ourselves. After all, Jesus was about to be led to his torture and death -- yet, he was focused on calming them of their worries.
Then, he addresses two sources of anxiety -- a place (home) and a person (alone-ness). He promises them a home -- a place where they will spend eternity. He promises them himself -- a togetherness.
When we're anxious, Paul calls us to present our requests to God (Phil. 4:6). In the case with the disciples, Jesus anticipated this request. Like a loving father, he wants us to know that he is working in our lives to conform us to his image. He cares for us. We don't need to worry about our circumstances, but rather seek his presence no matter what we're going through.
This anxiousness is still present in me. However, I know the promise of God and "[I'm] confident of this, that he who began a good work in [me] will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."
Live Loud! |
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