READING: 1 Chronicles 6:31-81, John 15:26-16:24
I often wonder what it was like to hear Jesus speak to you. I can only imagine the passion He had at times, the grief He expressed at other times, the stern warnings He occasionally gave, and the humor He used in more light moments. I suspect that both his lips and his eyes spoke in ways that words can’t fully capture.
I think, for example, of Jesus speaking the words of coming persecution: “They will ban you from the synagogues. In fact, a time is coming when anyone who kills you will think he is offering service to God. They will do these things because they haven’t known the Father or me” (John 16:2-3). The seriousness with which He spoke must have been deep, and the words must have settled heavily on the disciples.
On the other hand, Jesus also countered those words with words of compassion: “I have told you these things to keep you from stumbling . . . But I have told you these things so that when their time comes you will remember I told them to you” (John 16:1, 4). Jesus so loved His disciples that He warned them of opposition, and He particularly wanted them to remember that He was sending the Comforter to be with them. They should not be surprised by persecution, but nor should they worry about it. He would be with them.
Likewise, He is with us.
PRAYER: “God, remind me to trust You even when I face opposition.”
TOMORROW’S READING: 1 Chronicles 7-8, John 16:25-17:19