I'm sure there have been times when you have been very disappointed or let down by your friends. Maybe you were left wondering if there is anyone you can really trust or depend on?
The people in this true story must have felt like that. Let us discover, along with them, Someone and something that can give us great hope and confidence.
The disciples of Jesus Christ seemed to have good reason to be very disappointed. Judas had just walked out on them to betray Jesus (John 13: 21-30.); and it was said of Peter that he would disown Jesus three times before the next morning! (John 13:38.) On top of all that, their Master's was soon to leave them. But here is what He had to say to them:
"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in Me." (verse 1.)
Was this not an insult to God for Jesus to say you could trust in Him just as much as you could trust in God? NO! because Jesus Christ IS THE SON OF GOD, and we can have no reason or excuse to doubt His promises.
Jesus had this great news for His troubled disciples before He left them; and it is great news for me too! " I will come back.." He promised them. (verses 2-3.)
Is that good news to you? It may not be! Let me explain.
Suppose someone trusted you with an important job, and went away leaving you to do that job. Wouldn't you feel ashamed and frightened if he arrived back unexpectedly and you had not bothered to obey his wishes?
In the same way, it is not good news for some people that Jesus is returning! What if He returned TODAY - and there is no reason why it couldn't be today! We are told that many will be ashamed and frightened when He returns? (Revelation 6:15-16.)
How would those many people feel who have been taking Jesus' name in vain today? (Exodus 20:7.) and the many who have been turning to their fellow-men seeking forgiveness of their sins and peace with God! It is Jesus Christ alone whom they should have put their faith in; He is the only Priest whom God has appointed for us! (Hebrews 7:23-28.) Today many have been involved in trying to pay for their own sins - what an insult to Jesus Christ who has already paid for all our sins HIMSELF by dying on the cross for us. (1st Peter 3:18.)
Such people as these will surely be ashamed, and rightly frightened, when Jesus returns. They will then realise that they did not love and trust Jesus as they should have! Jesus will have to refuse, and condemn, all those who have rejected Him as Lord and Saviour. (John 3:16-19.) You see, He is only coming for those who are eagerly waiting for Him. (Hebrews 9:28.)
Jesus is returning, but YOU ARE NOT READY AND WAITING for His soon return UNLESS you are trusting in Jesus alone as your Priest and Saviour, and are living your life to please Him. Make sure you are ready and waiting when He returns! (1st Thessalonians 1:9-10. Amos 4:12.)
You will find Jesus' wonderful promise to those who trust and obey Him in John's Gospel chapter 14, verses 1-3.
John Nixon, Cork, Ireland. P31HD98. Contact: jnixonj@gmail.com
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