It’s easy in this world of 24/7 news feeds to find myself worried and unsettled. It doesn’t help that angst prevails among every single person displayed on my screens. But this world has always produced fears and trepidations, wars and rumors of wars, economies good and bad. Troubled hearts, despite our tendency to view the past through rose-colored glasses, are not a new phenomenon.

Jesus, at an intimate dinner with his disciples, spoke to their fears: Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.

Then Jesus explained hope in three parts. First, he readies a mansion for all who follow him. In my Father’s house are many rooms…if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.

Along with this future promise, Jesus opens the door to a mysterious connection in the here and now: I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth…You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.

Finally, Jesus reveals an underlying truth too amazing, too wonderful to fully comprehend. Those who follow him become blood brothers with Jesus, God the Father, and the Holy Spirit. Because I live, you also will live. In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you.

The Holy Spirit indwelling and empowering me. Grafted into an amazing association of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. A room in his mansion, together with all those who also follow Jesus, reserved for me in heaven. These truths, stacked on top of each other, create a powerful counter to the worries of this world. Small wonder Jesus said, Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.

John 14

Photo by Tom Barrett