April 23
Jesus reassures His disciples with His promise to send the Holy Spirit.
INSIGHT
A very tender and intimate scene begins in chapter 14. The disciples do not understand clearly everything that is going on, but they know that something big is about to happen and that Jesus will be leaving them. Their Teacher, their Mentor, their Friend for the last three years is leaving, and their hearts are crushed with the burden.
In this spirit, Jesus speaks softly, kindly, tenderly to them: "Let not your heart be troubled; . . . I go to prepare a place for you (in My Father's house). And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself" (14:1-3). Again: "I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you" (14:18).
How loving and compassionate. And He loves us just as much as the disciples.
PRAYER
· God's love for us is indeed cause for us to give Him our heart-felt praise and adoration:
Make a joyful shout to God, all the earth! Sing out the honor of His name;
Make His praise glorious.
Say to God, "How awesome are Your works!
Through the greatness of Your power
Your enemies shall submit themselves to
You (Psalms 66:1-3).
· Pause for personal praise and thanksgiving. Pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
Bless the Lord, O my soul;
And all that is within me, bless His holy name!
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
And forget not all His benefits
(Psalms 103:1-2).
· Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind. Now pause to pray this affirmation to the Lord:
But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully (2 Corinthians 9:6).
· As you make your requests known to the Lord, pray for:
· greater love for others,
· the work of missions in Australia and the islands of the South Pacific,
· your activities for the day,
· whatever else is on your heart.
· Offer this closing prayer to the Lord:
Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen (1 Timothy 1:17).
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