Takeaways
As Jesus continues to share a significant time with the disciples, which we could call the “let not your heart be troubled” dialog, four things stand out from His heartfelt words to them. (Since His words also apply to us, them/we are interchangeable below.)
1. He is preparing a place for them to experience a greater dimension of the Father’s presence and love.
-God will make His home in them
-We will experience the Father’s presence and love.
-God wants to be in the presence of His people.
2. They will do the same things He and the Father have been doing, even more significantly.
-Examples are Peter and Paul in that people were healed via their shadow/clothes (Acts 5:15; 19:12), which are specifics that didn’t occur with Jesus
-As part of abiding, we can ask on behalf/contend for the benefit of others.
3. He will ask for another Helper for them.
-Jesus asking for this is an example of “abiding involves asking.”
-The Holy Spirit will help us as we listen
-When going through tough times, we can lean into choosing Jesus as the thing we most want, even more than getting out of the suffering. The Holy Spirit is our help and comfort.
4. They will be hated.
-There are two types of people – those who love the light and those who don’t.
-We should not be surprised to receive negativity or push-back because of our faith
-We will sometimes receive persecution from other believers
In “Let not your heart be troubled” times, we have the help we need to relate on a deep level with God and cooperate with Him to do powerful and meaningful things, even if some hate us for living out the love of Jesus.
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Reflection Prompters
1. God loves us deeply. Sometimes we don’t feel this. Ask Him this week to show you His affection.
2. In times of suffering, what do you most want?
3. Do you ever feel “hated” by others? How do you handle that? Ask God for wisdom this week for dealing with challenging relationships.
4. Abiding consists of asking, listening, and surrendering. What are you asking God for this week? Are you taking time to listen? What do you need to surrender?
5. Russ challenged us to take 15 minutes of silence sometime this week and just listen for the Holy Spirit to speak and guide us. Once you have done that, jot down what you heard (or perhaps jot it down as you listen.)
