Troubling Times

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Scripture:

John 14:1   “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me.

Observation:

Jesus knew what he was facing and that the potential existed for the faith of his disciples to be shattered. There is a direct connection to the final conversation of the previous chapter where Jesus predicts the denial of Peter and the next phase of his own journey which will end in death. That’s why this statement is so powerful, it is sandwiched between denial and death and yet he tells his followers to not let their hearts be troubled.

The words of comfort come in the very short statement, “Believe in God, believe also in me.” It is this connection, that Jesus, himself is God which is to be of great comfort to them. The power of God is in Christ and if that is true, then no evil will be able to prevail against them. They didn’t realize that they were on the brink of catastrophic failure and he was providing them with words of comfort in advance. Troubling times were about to prevail upon them and they were to remember that the power of God was also at work and in this they were not to allow their hearts to be troubled.

Application:

I’m not sure that we can even begin to imagine the pain which the disciples were about to experience. Jesus knew the path ahead and that it was going to be extremely difficult for his followers. He had tried to prepare them and yet, he knew that they were going to struggle.

The Lord knows all about the troubling times which we are facing today. He understands about the changing context of our world and what appears to be an increased hostility toward Christianity. The Lord knows about the onslaught of secularism and the things of this world which vie for our attention. He knows about the strained relationships and the pain that you are experiencing. His words ring true today. This is not a time for our hearts to be troubled because standing before us is our Savior, the risen Lord. Believe in him and you believe in God also.

Troubling times are subdued by resurrection power. What we are facing today is of no surprise to God and what we need has already been provided. Listen to what is being said and lean into the truth that is being given.

Prayer:

Lord, thank you for your timeless promises.  Amen.

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