COMFORT OF THE FATHER

JOHN 16:31–33

“And yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace”

(John 16:32, 33).

The truth that Christ had been communicating to the disciples concerning His own nature and that of the Father finally dawned on them. But consider Jesus’ response once they confessed that He had indeed “come forth from God.” He acknowledged and even praised them for finally understanding what He had always been teaching them, but He then warned them of their inevitable betrayal. Those who at one point seem most loyal can in the next be the first to turn. And this is exactly what happened. The disciples professed Christ one minute and denied Him the next.

We should not be surprised by the waywardness of the human heart. Throughout church history, Christians have scattered in the face of persecution. Some of us can even testify to this in our own experiences. Those whom we thought would stand by us withdrew their support when the conflict thickened. Those who we thought were our friends, who we thought would stand by our side in the face of persecution and danger, turned their backs on us when things became difficult. Rare indeed is the friend who sticks closer than a brother—cherish this treasure.

But think of Christ, of Him who was so worthy of friendship! All His friends left Him in the hour of His greatest need—no doubt a prelude to that great moment when the Father Himself would turn away from the Son as He suffered on the cross. But at this point in John’s narrative, as Jesus prepared for the cross, He took comfort in knowing that His Father was with Him. Though every one else abandoned Him, His Father would comfort Him. This is our comfort as well. Though the world forsake us, God is with us. He is our refuge and our strength, an ever-present help in trouble. When our friends and family have scattered, and we are left to suffer alone, God is with us to give us strength, hope, and peace.

Even though Jesus would be the one abandoned, He comforted the disciples with promises of peace. They would be scattered, the world would turn against them, and tribulation would rise up wherever they traveled. However, Christ would be with them and calm their troubled hearts. When we are alone and troubled, Christ is our peace. Though we forsake Him, He will never leave us.

CORAM DEO

Proverbs 30–31

2 Corinthians 8

Are you lonely? Has there ever been a time in your life when you were alone? Peace in the midst of lonely times is rare because we do not often look to Christ for companionship and comfort. Jesus found great comfort in His Father when His friends left Him. Pray that you will find that same peace in God when you’re alone.

For further study: Pss. 46; 55:16–23

wednesday

september