Bible League: Living His Word "Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?" — John 14:1-2 ESV Certainly, these words of Jesus were meant for all the disciples discoursing together in this upper-room experience. This final week before the crucifixion had been filled with both a whirlwind and turmoil of emotional activity. A triumphal entry into the city only a few days before, where the Lord's popularity had seemingly hit a zenith, had the emotions of many running high. Would this be the beginning of a political override to quell the tyranny of Rome? However, it did not take long for the disciples to realize the mounting peril of Jesus, in which all the religious leaders were determined to put Him to death. And imagine the odorous whiff of shame and embarrassment passing through the upper room, when after arguing about who would be greatest in the kingdom of heaven (Luke 22:24-27), Jesus stands to disrobe, wrap a towel around Himself, and with basin in hand begins to wash each disciple's feet. And of course there is Peter! First not wanting his feet washed, and then wanting a bath, willing to lay his life down for Jesus, only to be told he will deny him three times. Indeed, the emotions of everyone in the room were on high alert, even those of Jesus (John 13:21). When he speaks these words of a troubled heart—an anxious, distressed, and disquieted heart—he knows that of which He speaks. I doubt I would be wrong in stating that anxious, distressed-filled hearts reflect the greatest of world-wide pandemics throughout all time. Troubled hearts induce rage and fear, foolish decisions, and crippling despair. A troubled heart blurs the clarity of moving forward, thrusting one in a mode of inactivity. A troubled heart can ultimately leave one standing alone, broken in a helpless hopelessness. But Jesus would not have anyone stand in such despair, giving fuel to a troubled heart. His words to the disciples are words for us today. Read slowly the words of our verses again and see that He is offering a key to the release of "heart trouble." "Let not your hearts be troubled." Literally, Jesus is saying to resist the constant focus upon the crippling effects of heart trouble and instead, "put your trust in God and also in me." Trust in God who has always been in control of all circumstances; who already knows how the pathway of life's past connects to the path forward; who exercises infinite wisdom, power, and love in the way he deals with us. The late Ray Stedman, former pastor of Peninsula Bible Church, also reminds us to trust in Jesus "who is the means by which all that wisdom, power, and love of God is made available to us." Easter provides an opportunity to focus on the only resolution for "heart trouble." For the disciples that Thursday, things were grim, and were about to get worse. A re-focus was definitely needed. Thank God Sunday was coming! The death and resurrection of our Savior become the final antidote for heart trouble. By Bill Niblette, Ph.D., Bible League International staff, Pennsylvania U.S. Bible in a Year Old Testament Reading2 Samuel 19, 20 2 Samuel 19 -- Joab Causes David to Cease His Mourning; David Restored NIV NLT ESV NAS GWT KJV ASV ERV DRB 2 Samuel 20 -- Sheba Rebels; Joab Kills Amasa; Revolt Ended NIV NLT ESV NAS GWT KJV ASV ERV DRB New Testament Reading Luke 21:20-38 Luke 21 -- The Widow's Gift; Signs of the End of the Age NIV NLT ESV NAS GWT KJV ASV ERV DRB Reading Plan Courtesy of Christian Classics Etherial Library. Tyndale Life Application Daily Devotion And I know that whatever God does is final. Nothing can be added to it or taken from it. God's purpose is that people should fear him.Insight What is the purpose of life? It is that we should revere the all-powerful God. To revere God means to respect and stand in awe of him because of who he is. Purpose in life starts with whom we know, not what we know or how good we are. Challenge It is impossible to fulfill your God-given purpose unless you revere God and give him first place in your life. Morning and Evening by Spurgeon Psalm 119:49 Remember the word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope.Whatever your especial need may be, you may readily find some promise in the Bible suited to it. Are you faint and feeble because your way is rough and you are weary? Here is the promise--"He giveth power to the faint." When you read such a promise, take it back to the great Promiser, and ask him to fulfil his own word. Are you seeking after Christ, and thirsting for closer communion with him? This promise shines like a star upon you--"Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled." Take that promise to the throne continually; do not plead anything else, but go to God over and over again with this--"Lord, thou hast said it, do as thou hast said." Are you distressed because of sin, and burdened with the heavy load of your iniquities? Listen to these words--"I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions, and will no more remember thy sins." You have no merit of your own to plead why he should pardon you, but plead his written engagements and he will perform them. Are you afraid lest you should not be able to hold on to the end, lest, after having thought yourself a child of God, you should prove a castaway? If that is your state, take this word of grace to the throne and plead it: "The mountains may depart, and the hills may be removed, but the covenant of my love shall not depart from thee." If you have lost the sweet sense of the Saviour's presence, and are seeking him with a sorrowful heart, remember the promises: "Return unto me, and I will return unto you;" "For a small moment have I forsaken thee, but with great mercies will I gather thee." Banquet your faith upon God's own word, and whatever your fears or wants, repair to the Bank of Faith with your Father's note of hand, saying, "Remember the word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope." Daily Light on the Daily Path John 1:29 The next day he saw Jesus coming to him and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!Hebrews 10:4-7 For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. • Therefore, when He comes into the world, He says, "SACRIFICE AND OFFERING YOU HAVE NOT DESIRED, BUT A BODY YOU HAVE PREPARED FOR ME; • IN WHOLE BURNT OFFERINGS AND sacrifices FOR SIN YOU HAVE TAKEN NO PLEASURE. • "THEN I SAID, 'BEHOLD, I HAVE COME (IN THE SCROLL OF THE BOOK IT IS WRITTEN OF ME) TO DO YOUR WILL, O GOD.'" Isaiah 53:7 He was oppressed and He was afflicted, Yet He did not open His mouth; Like a lamb that is led to slaughter, And like a sheep that is silent before its shearers, So He did not open His mouth. 1 Peter 1:18-21 knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, • but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ. • For He was foreknown before the foundation of the world, but has appeared in these last times for the sake of you • who through Him are believers in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God. Revelation 5:12 saying with a loud voice, "Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing." New American Standard Bible Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, Calif. All rights reserved. For Permission to Quote Information visit http://www.lockman.org. |
    |