Pastor’s Bible Reading Schedule: Ezekiel 27-29; John 14
Devotional Thought:
Jesus loved His disciples and was committed to preparing them for His death and the separation that would follow. He realized that separation would be temporary, but to these dear men it would seem impossible to bear. He explained heaven as a place He was going to prepare. Their faith was pointed to God, “ye believe in God, believe also in me.” (vs. 1) In every God ordained authority structure, ultimate authority and glory is designed to point people to God. It was ultimately God the Father’s plan that solved man’s sin problem. Jesus makes it very clear to His disciples that their faith must be rooted in God. Jesus is the source of our eternal hope, because He was God’s solution to man’s sin problem. Jesus had come to earth, he had lived perfect, and now it was time for Him to finish that which His Father had given Him to do. However, Jesus wanted His disciples to be confident that death had no victory or strength over Him. He was going to prepare a place for them and that He would come again and receive them and take them to that place. Thomas was confused and asked, “we know not whither thou goest and how can we know the way?” (vs. 5) “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (vs. 6) Jesus goes on to tell His disciples that He was going to ask the Father to give them a Comforter that would abide with them forever. (vs. 16) I am reminded how important it is for us to point people to our Heavenly Father; to exalt His program, plan, and Person. Judas Iscariot asked, “how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world?” (vs. 22) Jesus simple answer is through obedience. Jesus presented His Father through His obedience to His Father, and we manifest His love as we obey what He has so clearly commanded us. “He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father which sent me.” (vs. 24) Comfort during trials and separation comes from trusting our Heavenly Father and obeying what He has told us to do.
Personal Requests:
• Lord, please help me to be careful to lift you up as my ultimate authority. I desire for those that I influence and lead to see my Heavenly Father glorified in my life.
• Lord, please help me to obey you and demonstrate submission to your authority. I do love you Lord, and I want that to be reflected through my obedience.
• Thank you Lord for your promise to prepare a place for me and to come back for me and take me to that place to spend with you forever!