"You heard me say, 'I am going away and I am coming back to you.' If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. " John 14:28.

I've been reading the rest of this chapter and the fifteenth chapter. I have never noticed how much Jesus repeats himself in these three chapters. This is another verse that essentially summarizes what he has already said. One of these days, I'm going to write about all the repeated statements in this last discourse of Christ.

I was starting to get a bit irritated... Well irritated is too strong a word... Let me just say, bored(?) at how Christ is repeating himself through this section of chapter 14. Then I realized, in forty-five years of reading the Bible, I had never noticed the repetition. What does this say to me about my attention span? What does this say to me about how much I've really paid attention?

This is a wonderful, comforting verse, and Jesus wants to make sure the Disciples hear it. They are not sitting there with their notebook computers and PDAs taking notes... They are listening and they have just been told that Christ, their faithful friend, companion and leader is leaving. They must have been in a mild state of shock based upon their reaction. I know how I've felt when a good friend has told me they are moving to another city... And we didn't spend 24 x 7 together the way Jesus and the Disciples did. It is important that Christ makes sure they hear this wonderful promise: He is leaving, but he is coming back.

At this time of the year I'm spending a lot of time thinking about the Lord's advent. It seems what he is really wanting me to focus on is the next time he's coming.

Father, thank you for reminding me about what is important: That I am prepared for your return. I know it must have been difficult for the Disciples to hear you were leaving. But as you have said, it is a good thing, because it enabled you to set in motion the rest of your plan... The coming of the Holy Spirit, and ultimately... Your return. There is only one thing I can say... Come, Lord Jesus... And don't wait too long, OK?

- posted by Steve R. @ 7:21 AM

 
"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." John 14:27

At this time of the year, Peace on Earth and gift giving are popular subjects. Yet we are fighting a war on three fronts, people are dying daily in the name of religion, and the perfect gift is the diamond that is forever. I can't help but feel that I'm really missing the mark when I read this verse.

Last week I was able to spend a couple of days at home by virtue of the travel schedule I'm on, so I started getting ready for the holidays. I spent hours trying to find the right gift, and Marcia and I are nearly ready. To be honest, though, some of our gifts were convenient gifts, and some were "have to" gifts, although all are given out of love. But Christ here is talking about the perfect gift, peace. Peace of heart, peace of mind, the peace that comes from being loved by the only one who really matters. It's interesting that when the angels appeared to the shepherds they said to them, "Peace on earth, Goodwill toward men". Tonight, on the night before his death, Christ tells the disciples that he is leaving them with Peace.

The result of that peace? I don't have to be afraid anymore. Fear can be a paralyzing emotion. It can stop me from accomplishing what I need to accomplish... Can keep me from learning the lessons I need to learn. It can prevent me from really experiencing what God has in store for me. It can keep me from doing what I need to do for God. It can motivate us to do what we don't want to do or wouldn't normally do (ask Peter about this one). But the Lord says, don't be afraid, we have his Peace. Maybe that's why the apostles could be so bold...

Father, thank you for your wonderful gift of peace not only during this season, but every day. And thank you for taking away the fear in my life. Now allow me to use the freedom you have given me to love you, to keep your commands, to express my appreciation to you for your love.

- posted by Steve R. @ 7:39 AM