Be Encouraged
READ
CONSIDER
Jesus is wrapping up his prayer over the disciples by repeating a couple key points that serve as a powerful encouragement. Though they are being sent into environments filled with people who don’t know Jesus and, therefore, will not understand spiritual things. The road ahead could easily – and will likely be – challenging. Yet, Jesus says to God, “I have revealed them to you and will continue to do so.”
Though he just told them he’s going away to prepare a home for them, though he told them they cannot go where he is going – at least not yet. Here is a promise that he will still be with them as the Holy Spirit.
REFLECT
That’s part of Jesus’ promise that you can receive (or have received), too. Recall, Jesus' prayers over the disciples around that table are also prayers over you, if you’ve given your life to him. Though Jesus is not physically with you in his original body, his spirit is alive in all those who follow him. That means he is with you every day AND it means he is physically among you as his spirit is in fellow followers.
THAT is encouraging news!
PRAY
Jesus, thank you. When I am in a world that doesn’t know you, I know you are in me. I am grateful and encouraged. Amen.