Good Morning 04-20

FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

This is the day the LORD hath made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Acts 17:1-15
1 Peter 2:4-10
John 14:1-14
Psalm 31:1-8

(Several of you commented that you liked the last series and so will try it again.) Keep your comments coming!

John 14:1-4
The disciples had heard Jesus say to them, "My little children, I will be with you only a little while longer" John 13:33. As a result, the disciples were filled with dismay and sadness. This brings us to the text for today.

How important to note that Jesus begins with the words of comfort and concern for His disciples. "Do not let your hearts be troubled." He bids them to put away their fear. "Keep trusting in God; keep trusting in Me." He also feeds the disciples faith with promise and hope as He tells them: "In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were no so, I would have told you."

Jesus' point is to assure His disciples that they will not be abandoned, but that His departure is for their eternal good. And He combines this with the comfort of His second coming: "I will come back and take you to be with Me that you also may be where I am." But Jesus did not bring only comfort, He also speaks words of instruction, which we will hear tomorrow.

Christian friends, God turns fear to faith when we study and believe His promises as they are revealed in the Word.

The glories of heaven await
All those who believe in God's Son;
The trials of this life will fade
When we see the Heavenly One.

PRAY with me-- O God, You make the minds of Your faithful to be of one will; therefore grant to Your people that they may love what You command and desire what You promise, that among the manifold changes of this age our hearts may ever be fixed where true joys are to be found: This we ask in Jesus name. Amen