Entrusted with the Gospel

The Old Testament commands us not to fear in many different ways, and not surprisingly, when we get to the New Testament, Jesus says the same thing. But His reasoning for not being afraid seems new, and of course, helpful. After the foot washing episode, we read this at the start of John 14…

“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me…” John 14:1 (ESV)

Many believers live day to day with troubled hearts, and I’ve been one of them too many times. So, what reason did Jesus give to not let our hearts be troubled? Keep reading…

In my Father’s house are many rooms. 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, that where I am you may be also. John 14:2-3 (ESV)

In these verses, we may be reading the greatest reason that we should be at peace, that we should not fear – Jesus is preparing a place for us in His Father’s house. In other words, there is a life after this life, and it will be good, and it will be with Him.

I don’t know what you’re facing today – perhaps a very difficult and baffling medical condition, maybe a financial predicament that seems insurmountable, maybe something that I can’t even imagine. Whatever your condition is, as Jesus speaks to these disciples, He speaks to all of us, “Let not your heart be troubled…I’m going to take you to heaven, where you will be with me.”

Critics, of course, are quick to call this “pie in the sky” thinking. So what – let them talk. As for me, since I know heaven is a real place and since I know that Jesus is actually preparing a room for me…I call it the best news ever.

And reason enough not to let my heart be troubled.

For tomorrow, Friday, October 23rd: John 15