Lord Keep Us Under Control

Scripture

Our verse for today comes from John 14:1, ” Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. “

Background

I have been to a couple of celebrations recently, for things such as graduations and significant birthdays, and I have experienced firsthand the joy and delight of the occasion. To be sure, times like those are extremely sweet, especially when things come about as you were hoping. After all the hours of preparation and planning, it’s most satisfying when all goes as expected.

Such was not the case for the disciples and this particular Passover. Having been blessed by some rather unusual circumstances to secure the room, the disciples came that night most likely expecting the traditional celebration, spiced up by more of the wonders and wisdom of their leader. What they got, however, was something far different. Immediately following the meal, they experience the shame of having God’s Son wash their feet. And to make things crystal clear, Jesus then reminds them that the servant is not greater than the master. Next, Jesus announces that one of his beloved is going to betray Him. In case they might still somehow be enjoying themselves, Jesus then declares that He will be leaving them and they will not be following Him. And to the boldest of them, Jesus says that his faith will suffer to the point of denying Him three times.

Application

Now, in the midst of this dirge of sorts, Jesus did say that He and His Father were being glorified. And He did command them to love even as He loved them. But we all know what gets remembered and what gets forgotten in times like these. So, it needn’t have taken His divine insight for Jesus to detect trouble and fear in the hearts of His brothers. But as was His way, Jesus offers comfort even as the moments were bringing Him closer to the cross. And that comfort would come in the form of faith. But not passive faith. Rather, as their hearts were being dragged into despair, Jesus called them to action. Do not let your hearts be troubled, He said, but fight that with faith. Faith in the eternal God, and faith in His Son who was in their midst.

Charge

As we seek Him today, do not be a victim who lets trouble and doubt overwhelm your heart. Choose to believe in our Savior who has everything under control.