Overview of: JohnToday's Reading:
John 14:1-31
"Jesus Comforts His Disciples"
Focus Verses: John 14:23-27
23 Jesus replied, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. 24 He who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me. 25 All this I have spoken while still with you. 26 But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."
Insight:
Jesus promised his disciples that though he would be returning to the Father, he would not leave them as orphans. Through his Holy Spirit he would guide them, comfort them, sustain them, and live with them. He would give them peace as they faced the troubles and fearsome challenges of life. He would also return to redeem and renew the world. He called them to live in truth and obedience, trusting that following him would surely lead to eternal life.
Response and Action:
Because I believe in Christ Jesus and love him with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength, I will obey him. I will give careful attention to the Scriptures in order to know and understand his teachings, his example, and his commands. I will pray and meditate and cultivate sensitivity to the leading and conviction of the Holy Spirit. I will rest in his promises, even in the face of trouble, stress, and frightening circumstances.
O Father God, thank you for Jesus your Son who has shown me who you are. Thank you for the truth he has revealed, for the way he has shown, and for the life he has given. Help me to discern the leading and counsel of your Holy Spirit. Give me a readiness and desire to obey you in all things. Grant me the peace that the world cannot give, through Jesus Christ my Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Old Testament for Today: Isaiah 26:3-4
3 You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. 4 Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD, is the Rock eternal.
In Context: Isaiah 26
Proverb for Today: Prov. 26:12
"Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him."
Recommended Reading:
Father, Son and Spirit: The Trinity and John's Gospel
by Andreas J. Kostenberger
