Have you ever seen a life insurance commercial? It's often times followed up with the saying "Provide your family with some peace of mind..." This idea of safety and peace of mind is something tightly woven into our American culture. We want to be safe. We want our families to be safe. We want our legacies to be safe. Because safety equals peace of mind, right?
The Anxiety and Depression Association of America state that 18% of the population struggle with some sort anxiety or depression, but that that percentage is only the number of people who report having issues. For a country that focuses on peace of mind, this is astounding. There seems to be no peace of mind in stuff... ***Before I continue, if you struggle with anxiety or depression, here is a number you can call to get help: (212) 673-3000 (The Samaritans Hotline).*** In the reading today, Jesus talks about leaving and going to the Father/God. If I were a disciple hearing this for the first time, I'd be a little freaked out! Like what?! You can't go! I love the translation the NLT has for this... "[Jesus speaking] But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you. I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid." John 14:26-27 Here Jesus is promising that when he leaves, he's not leaving them behind nor will he be gone for an eternity. Jesus is also saying he will be sending us the Holy Spirit that will proivde us with peace of mind AND heart. This is not something we can attain for ourself, or something that society can grant us. Not even the American dream can do this. Only the Holy Spirit. While we long for the arrival of Jesus, we have someone still working with us and for us. Do not underestimate the power of the Holy Spirit. Be blessed today. John 14:15-31 NLT (Red lettering means Jesus is speaking) “If you love me, obey my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you. No, I will not abandon you as orphans—I will come to you. Soon the world will no longer see me, but you will see me. Since I live, you also will live. When I am raised to life again, you will know that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them.” Judas (not Judas Iscariot, but the other disciple with that name) said to him, “Lord, why are you going to reveal yourself only to us and not to the world at large?” Jesus replied, “All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them. Anyone who doesn’t love me will not obey me. And remember, my words are not my own. What I am telling you is from the Father who sent me. I am telling you these things now while I am still with you. But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you. “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. Remember what I told you: I am going away, but I will come back to you again. If you really loved me, you would be happy that I am going to the Father, who is greater than I am. I have told you these things before they happen so that when they do happen, you will believe. “I don’t have much more time to talk to you, because the ruler of this world approaches. He has no power over me, but I will do what the Father requires of me, so that the world will know that I love the Father. Come, let’s be going.
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AuthorThe Pastors of Cornerstone Wesleyan Church Archives
July 2017
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