Good morning,
John 14 is a book of comfort. We learn about our new home, the relationship between Jesus and God the Father, that believers can do the works that Christ did, the promise of the Comforter, and sweet peace for believers.
Promise of the Comforter (14:16-26)
“And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.19 Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.20 At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. 22 Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world?23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.24 He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father’s which sent me.25 These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you.26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.”
Here is true comfort. Jesus is leaving. Jesus says He is also coming back. In the interim, The Father will give us the Comforter, the Holy Spirit of God, who will live within us, guide, and teach us.
This is crucial for our continued growth in Christ. The still small voice, the gentle nudge to do right, and the conviction when we have done wrong. The Holy Spirit is relentless in keeping believers on the straight and narrow path.
Sweet peace for believers (14:27-31)
“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.28 Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.29 And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe.30 Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me.31 But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence.”
The world is looking for peace, but there is no peace. The world is looking in the wrong place. Jesus Christ is the Prince of peace. He gives all believers who trust in Him, His peace.
How do we deal with the stresses of life? Only through knowing Jesus Christ and His word. Peace and comfort come from the word of God. The God of heaven is bigger than any problem we have on earth. God knows each one of us inside and out. He is able to take care of all our heartaches.
Our problem is unbelief. We fail to go to God for His help. He will comfort and give us peace, if we will trust Him.
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001
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