“Do not let your hearts be troubled…” (John 14:1a)
In the midst of bombings in Boston and devastation in West, Texas, Jesus’ words are hard to hear. In the past several months, we have seen terrorists raze a consulate in Benghazi and a killer shoot schoolchildren in Connecticut. Our economy remains sluggish, and many struggle to find a job. The culture itself is in the midst of turmoil. Many are worried what this brave new world might mean for our children. Whether our anxieties are self-created or thrust upon us, Jesus declares that we should not be troubled.
However, Jesus is not a blind optimist. He’s not asking us simply to reflect on the sunny side of life. There are real problems. Sometimes life can be awful. Jesus shares these words with his disciples on the night of his arrest. Jesus has just declared to Peter that he will in fact deny him three times. Judas will soon betray his teacher by a kiss, leading the soldiers to take Jesus away. Jesus is going to experience ridicule, torture and death. Still, he tells the disciples not to be troubled.
However, that’s not all Jesus tells them.
“…Believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also. And you know the way to the place where I am going.” (John 14:1b-4)
Instead of being troubled, place your hope and trust in God and also in Jesus Christ. Jesus himself prepares a place for us. The difficulties we face are only temporary. Ultimately, God’s justice will prevail. Humanity’s inhumanity will be defeated.
However, Jesus’ words do not give us permission to hide until the storm is over. We can’t barricade ourselves in our churches or our homes ignoring the problems of the world. Having confidence in what Christ will accomplish means that we have the freedom to help.
“Thomas said to him, ‘Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?’ Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:5-6)
The only “way” we have in this life is the way of Jesus Christ. The hatred of this world will pass away. The suffering of the innocent will end. For right now, they remain. Following in the way of Jesus, right now we are here to heal, to comfort, and to do justice. In the midst of the chaos, we will be standing in truth offering God’s love to those in need.
Grace and Peace,
James Hodsden
Pastor 139 