Today’s Reading: John 14:28-29 (NIV)
28 [Jesus said,] “You have heard me say, ‘I am going away and I am coming back to you.’ If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. 29 I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe.”
Good morning!
When our children were younger, they would sit on the edge of the bed and watch as Daddy packed his suitcase. “Do you have to go away?” they would whine, with pursed lips and sleepy little eyes. “I am going away for a little while, but I promise I will be back in three days!” He would pat their little heads, smiling. We can sense their sadness and the insecurity this unwanted change brings. Their daddy is leaving and their world will be different while he is gone. The voice they have grown accustomed to, who reads their bedtime stories and listens to their prayers at night will not be here. They will miss the man who holds their tiny hands as they walk along the sidewalk to school tomorrow morning. Going away leaves a deep void in a child’s life; and yet, there is Daddy’s promise of his return. It’s only three days away, but it seems like a lifetime! This is not what they want; yet, they accept their Father’s teary goodbye, counting on their Daddy to keep his word and come back soon.
It’s hard to be glad when the people we love go away.
Jesus tried, in as loving a manner as possible, to encourage his disciples to see beyond this day. He was going home to the Father who is greater than He. Jesus promised he would come back to them. Couldn’t they be glad, knowing their Master would return?
Hope is the assurance of a promise to be kept. What the disciples could not possibly understand in this moment, was revealed to them just three days later! Jesus died, was buried, and rose again! He made the journey of a lifetime in just three days, tearing down the walls of sin and death forever. Christ opened up the flood gates of forgiveness, salvation’s grace, and an everlasting, never ending relationship between the Father, Son and Holy Spirit to all who would choose to believe. It was the trip no one wanted their Lord to make, and yet, He kept His Word and returned, just as He promised.
We can live each day with glad hearts filled with hope! Jesus promised that He would one day return for His bride. We can be glad, knowing Christ has sent the comforter to journey with us while we wait. He is coming back soon. Are you ready to see His face, hear His amazing voice, and take His hand for all eternity? Be glad!
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO
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