You heard me say, ‘I am going away and I am coming back to you.’ If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. -- John 14:28
For me today, that Jesus is not here in person is a simple fact. I can't imagine what it would be for the apostles to hear he was leaving them, even if he would return, even if he would send the Advocate. So much of what Jesus said in these final days leading up to the crucifixion went against their expectations, when everything up to that point had been going so well. How often have I fallen into the trap of a dulled faith that believes the good things right now will always be, when a different kind of difficulty is part of the sovereign plan and comes upon me unexpectedly?
Prayer: Jesus, thank you for your promise to return. I too, long to be with you, and with the Father. Help my faith to not become passive as I live in the blessing of your grace, but to be prepared for new challenges.
Red Letters is a devotion for Lent 2018 by Chris Michael Moore of His Call Church - ヒズコールチャーチ