This morning, I read a portion from John 14:21-31. I encourage you to go read it for yourself. I’ve read it many times, but today it was as if I could hear Jesus and the disciples literally having this conversation. You know, one of those beautiful moments when the Word really speaks.
In this portion Jesus tells the disciples exactly what is about to happen. He tells them that He will be taken by the ruler of this world, but he has no power over Him. He tells them that nonetheless He will do what the Father requires of Him. It’s a breath-taking moment.
Today as I read, I felt my breath catch in my throat as I could see Jesus speaking to His friends.
This time when I read it, I could see it as one of those moments when I, as a parent, give my children specific instructions. It was like the times when I would sit them down and say, “Ok, this is exactly what’s about to happen.” Then I go through step-by-step details and let them know that I’m telling them so they can have peace about it. I have done that so many times with my kids.
This is how Jesus was speaking to His disciples.
It’s so infinitely interesting the way they all seemed to forget as soon as it started to unfold, except for John. It was this morning when I realized he stayed in peace. John understood. How else was he capable of being the one disciple sitting at the cross and comforting Jesus’ own mother.
John had something the others didn’t. He obviously got it.
The scripture has gone into great detail to let us know exactly what’s coming at the end. In several books of the Bible, we are told what people will be like, what atrocities will occur, etc. These days that are unfolding before us now shouldn’t be a surprise.
Even watching different spiritual leaders fall and seeing immense weakness within the church shouldn’t be as shocking as it is. He told us these things were coming.
I want to remind you here of one part that has always gripped me.
At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. Matthew 24:10-14
The part of this that terrifies me is this, “The love of MOST will grow cold.” It says, most, not some. Not even many. Most.
Oh Lord, for whatever part of the end I am here, please keep my love strong for You. Establish Your word in my heart so firmly that no one and nothing can cause me to stumble. Guard my heart and mind. Never let me be fooled by the false. Tether me to the Truth. Hold me, Lord, without You I could never make it. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
365 Days in the Presence 