Light Dawns
Opening Prayer
Lord, what a generous, loving Father You are! Thank You for the blessings You shower on me every day.
Read John 16:25-33
[25] “Though I have been speaking figuratively, a time is coming when I will no longer use this kind of language but will tell you plainly about my Father. [26] In that day you will ask in my name. I am not saying that I will ask the Father on your behalf. [27] No, the Father himself loves you because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. [28] I came from the Father and entered the world; now I am leaving the world and going back to the Father.” [29] Then Jesus’ disciples said, “Now you are speaking clearly and without figures of speech. [30] Now we can see that you know all things and that you do not even need to have anyone ask you questions. This makes us believe that you came from God.” [31] “Do you now believe?” Jesus replied. [32] “A time is coming and in fact has come when you will be scattered, each to your own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me. [33] “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
How can the Holy Spirit bring you peace and clarity?One thing I have learned from playing Draw Something on my iPad is that I have the drawing age of a 2-year-old! My “virtual” game opponents regularly complain about the length of time it takes them to establish what it is I am actually drawing. Eventually light dawns and the game continues. As Jesus talks about his imminent departure and how his time on earth is drawing to an end, light dawns for the disciples, and they experience an epiphany. This process of understanding is clearly an important event because it reveals the extent of Jesus’ love for them. When Jesus eventually sums up his mission–he came from God into this world and now he is going back–the lines suddenly connect, the picture makes sense, and what was previously confusing becomes clear (28-30). This is the perfect time to tell them more. Jesus warns of trouble ahead, and of how they will be shaken and panicked and will run (32). Despite this, Jesus encourages them to stay peaceful, to take heart and know that he is the overall champion (33).
Apply
Amid the many troubles of our world, the picture of Jesus overcoming death is one to remember and hold on to. Think on that today.
Closing prayer
Lord Jesus, I ask for a generous spirit, one that allows me to better reflect Your generous, sacrificial love for me.
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