Oct 27. John 14. John and Joy Haas

Four Promises

John 14 is one of the most encouraging books of the Bible. As Jesus prepares his disciples for the time when He would leave to go home to the Father, he outlines very clear assurances and words of comfort. These are assurances for us as well.

He promises a room for us in his Father’s house, a room that he himself is preparing! He promises that when it is ready, he will come and get us to be with Him always. Wow.

In the meantime, as we wait, he gives us this vow in verse 16, “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.” Notice he speaks in absolutes: “so that you will ALWAYS be with me” (v.3), “who will NEVER leave you” (v.16), “who leads into ALL truth” (v.17). There are no conditions. Only his absolute love.

Next, he promises us, “You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it...Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it!” (vv.13-14) He repeats himself for emphasis, solidifying the certainty of the promise.

And finally, he promises us something the world cannot offer us: “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.” (v.27) Again, it is a gift - not merited, not earned, not manufactured, but something he gives freely and unconditionally. Again, flowing from his pure, absolute love.

A Helper and Friend, who will advocate for us, and continue to give us comfort and encouragement as he reveals God’s truth to us and enable us to live the new life; the power of prayer in his name; peace beyond understanding; and a room prepared for us waiting for us to go home. These are all expressions of God’s incredible love for us. How can we not choose to keep believing, persevering, hoping and, most of all, obeying his commands as an expression of our response of love for him. This is the circle of faith expressed in love.