Week 48
John 14:18 “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.”
Jesus is preparing His disciples for His death and departure from this world, which would occur very soon. Very soon the disciples would be facing the prospect of Jesus’ physical removal from their lives. With Jesus leaving, they would feel very much like orphans. It is very hard to deal with the orphan syndrome; one feels detached and unable to find where one belongs. The feeling is a mixture of loss of identity, a loss of place, loneliness, and sadness very similar to grief. Often the emotion of being orphaned includes fear and insecurity.
Jesus assures His disciples that He will not leave them as orphans; He will come to them. The need of the disciple who feels like an orphan is to have Jesus with them. When we are lonely, remember that we are lonely for Jesus. We must feel and know that if Jesus is with us, then we will do fine.
How does Jesus come to us, and how did Jesus come to the first century disciples?
- Jesus came in the resurrection.
- Jesus came in the sending of the Holy Spirit.
- Jesus came in life experience through providence and communion with God.
- Jesus will come in the Second Coming.
Even so, Christians today find Jesus in much the same way; He comes to us in life experiences, He comes to us in the presence of the Holy Spirit, and He will come to us in the Second Coming. The greater our need, the more pronounced we find His presence with us. He will never allow us to trudge through the valley alone; He is with us, and His Spirit connects to us in our pain and heartache.
When the greatest and most fearful circumstances happen, the Lord draws near to aid and comfort us, and we will find His presence sufficient. The Psalmist writes, “My father and my mother have forsaken. But the Lord will take me up (Psalm 27:10)”. The meaning of this text is enormously important! Even if I am orphaned by those charged to take care of me, still the Lord will pick me up and watch over me. No situation is outside of His care and provision. And if any circumstance deepens my human need and struggle, then the Lord will grant that His protection, provision, and presence will make up the difference. And in the end, we will glorify Jesus for standing with us in the great hour of our hurt and trouble.
The Lord Jesus has His ways of showing His love for us; yes, He has a thousand ways to make a way for us. Trust Him and depend upon Him; He will not forsake you! You will find His love and His grace all-sufficient to make the path forward for your soul. And your testimony will magnify His powerful and wonderful name; for your need becomes the context of His promise being fulfilled in your life. As has been noted before, “Our extremity is God’s opportunity.” Look to Him, dear Christian friend; you will find Him enough for you and your situation.
Prayer: Dear Lord, please grant that in the midst of my doubt, struggle, and anxiety I will find Your presence sweet and Your grace plentiful. Take my problem and magnify Your name and glory in and through it, for Jesus’ sake. I love You! Amen.