December 22nd, 20

Do You Finally Believe? Today's reading is John 15 - 18 and is being read from the New Living Translation. Here in John 16 we see Jesus trying to describe his relationship with the Father and the Father with him. And now, because of what he's about to do, he's trying to describe the new relationship they are going to have with him and with the Father, where Jesus is going and about the place he is preparing for them.  He's trying to describe all of this to them and they are struggling to understand.  Finally, it seems they just fake it and say, Finally we understand.  Finally you're speaking plainly and not figuratively and we understand.   I can't help but think that Jesus knew that they did not understand.  In fact, in John 16: 31-32 he asks them: Do you finally believe? But the time is coming—indeed it's here now—when you will be scattered, each one going his own way, leaving me alone. Yet I am not alone because the Father is with me.  It seems that Jesus is calling them out a bit, ever so gently,  I think he's saying, No, you really don't believe.  If you truly believed you wouldn't desert me, and that's exactly what's about to happen.  You're going to leave.  But I won't be alone.  This is all very necessary.   And then he tells them what a heart looks like that truly believes him. I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world. (Jn 16:33 NLT) You're going to have troubles in this world.  That's a reality.  But take heart.  Have courage.  I have overcome the world.  I think what Jesus was saying was that if they truly believe they would not need to run and hide or be overwhelmed with discouragement.  No.  Instead, they would recognize that He was with them and had the power to overcome and see them through all the circumstances that would come into their lives.   Do you finally believe?  Are you running, hiding and discouraged?  Receive the Word of Life that says,  Take heart.  I am with you.  I have overcome the world.  You don't need to flee if you truly believe I  am with you.