LHM Daily Devotions - May 7, 2020 - "Comfort and Confidence"

Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

"Comfort and Confidence"

May 7, 2020

(Jesus said) "Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to Myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going." Thomas said to Him, "Lord, we do not know where You are going. How can we know the way?" Jesus said to him, "I am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also. From now on you do know Him and have seen Him."

— John 14:1-7, ESV

Have you ever had to take a young child to daycare or school for the first time? If so, you remember how they cling to you. They don't want you to leave, and they may cry and cry, no matter how wonderful the teacher is or how many toys there are. You do your best to reassure them that they will be all right and that you will come back. And then you tear yourself away—and go.

This is what we see Jesus doing in John 14. He knows that He is about to die, to leave this world and go to His Father in heaven. Even now Judas is on his way to get the soldiers to arrest Him. By tomorrow night the disciples will be terrified and grieving, thinking Jesus is gone forever. His heart goes out to them.

And so, like any loving parent, Jesus reassures them. He speaks to them as simply as you speak to a child. "I am going away, but don't be afraid," He says. "Trust Me. I am going to get things ready for you. Then I will be back. You will be with Me again."

The disciples didn't get it. But during the terrifying days to come, they would have the memory of Jesus' words to comfort them. He had promised to come back, and they knew that He always keeps His promises.

And that's what we have, too, isn't it? We have Jesus' words to hold on to, whenever we are frightened or sad. He will not leave us alone, either. Yes, He has ascended into heaven, but He promised to return for us, and in the meantime, He has given us the Holy Spirit. He has not forgotten us. He will come back, just as He promised, and at that time there will be a new heaven and new earth—a place prepared for us and all of God's creatures, everyone who loves and belongs to Him. And there we will have no more suffering or sadness or terror or grief. We will see Him face to face, and we will be satisfied.

THE PRAYER: Lord, help me to trust in Your promises while I wait for You to come back. Amen.

Reflection Questions:

1. Is it easy or hard for you to say goodbye to people? Why or why not?

2. What is the hardest part for you about waiting for Jesus to return?

3. What is one promise from the Bible that you find comfort in while you wait?

This Daily Devotion was written by Dr. Kari Vo. Use these devotions in your newsletter and bulletin! Used by permission; all rights reserved by the Int'l LLL (LHM).
Is it easy or hard for you to say goodbye to people? Why or why not?