Joyful Obedience
Opening Prayer
Think of all the Bible promises you can recall. Pray them over yourself today and thank God for his promises.
Read John 14:15–31
15 “If you love me, keep my commands. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. 18 I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. 19 Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. 20 On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. 21 Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.”
22 Then Judas (not Judas Iscariot) said, “But, Lord, why do you intend to show yourself to us and not to the world?”
23 Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. 24 Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.
25 “All this I have spoken while still with you. 26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
28 “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. 29 I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe. 30 I will not say much more to you, for the prince of this world is coming. He has no hold over me, 31 but he comes so that the world may learn that I love the Father and do exactly what my Father has commanded me.
“Come now; let us leave.
New International Version (NIV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
As you read, count how many promises Jesus makes and all he says he will do.At first glance, this passage looks like “Stuff I Must Do For Jesus.” It’s like the small print in a contract: I have to obey everything (15,21,23). I should work much harder at being a Christian so that God knows I love him.
But this passage is mainly about what the Father and Son will do for you. They will send the Spirit (16). He will dwell in you (17). He will unite you to Jesus (18,23b). You will never again be alone (18). You will live (19). You will realize that you belong to Jesus (20). He will teach you about Jesus and bring you peace (26,27).
This passage is full of promises. Are any of these dependent on the disciples? On you? No, they’re dependent on Jesus. And they’re certain because he is about to die on the cross.
The more you see who Jesus is and all he’s done for you, the more obeying him becomes obvious. That doesn’t mean it’s easy. We’re sinners, and there’s a battle in our hearts. But the more you see someone who loves you completely and who gives so consistently and wants what’s best for you, the more you want to be close to him and obey him and walk in his footsteps.
Apply
Have you allowed God’s Spirit to be each of these things to you? Re-read these promises and claim them as your own today.
Closing prayer
Thank You, Father, for each of Your promises. By Your Spirit, may I walk in Your ways today.
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