John 14:23-29 (NRSV)
Read John 14:23-29 on biblegateway.com
Verse 23Jesus answered him, "Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. Verse 24Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; and the word that you hear is not mine, but is from the Father who sent me.
Verse 25"I have said these things to you while I am still with you. Verse 26But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you. Verse 27Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.
Verse 28You heard me say to you, 'I am going away, and I am coming to you.' If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father, because the Father is greater than I. Verse 29And now I have told you this before it occurs, so that when it does occur, you may believe.
Devotion
“Do not let your hearts be troubled.” Really? There is so much that causes trouble. Further, telling someone not to worry is like telling someone who is anxious to calm down; it doesn’t work. Jesus should really know better.
And he does. He’s got it covered. Troubled hearts need peace, troubled hearts need reminding of the grace of God, troubled hearts need help getting back on track. And Jesus has lined all of that up. So worry away, notice the troubled nature of your heart, your life, your being. But also see that, through faith, all the support you need is there.
Prayer
God our rock, I will probably feel trouble in my heart today. When I do, show me that peace and reveal your grace. Oh, and God, help me to see it too. Amen.
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