John 14:1-6

Meditation: Do you allow any troubles to rob you of God's peace?
As much as we try to avoid it, we all inevitably encounter trouble and
difficulties we find hard to endure. Jesus knew his disciples would have
to face trials and persecution after he left them to return to his Father
in heaven. Adversity can make us lose hope and become discouraged, or it
can press us closer to God and to his promises. "It is the LORD
who goes before you; he will be with you, he will not fail you or forsake
you; do not fear or be dismayed" (Deuteronomy 31:8). Just as God went ahead
of the Israelites in the wilderness to lead them safely to the promised
land, Jesus tells his disciples that he is going ahead to prepare a place
for them in God's house – a place of refuge, peace, and security, and everlasting
happiness. God's house is never closed nor crowded – there is plenty of
room for everyone who believes in God and in his beloved Son, the Lord
Jesus Christ. The greatest fear in this present life – whether it be the
separation and loss of life to a loved one or the threat to one's own life
– is put to rest by Jesus' promise that we will live forever with him and
the Father in their heavenly home with a great company of saints and angels
who will be our friends forever as well.
Do you know the way to the Father's house? Jesus expected his disciples
to know where he was going and what their ultimate destination would be
as well. Thomas, who was both a doubter and a realist, spoke for all the
disciples when he said, "we neither know where you are going nor how we
shall get there on our own?"  If you have never been to another land
or traveled down an unfamiliar road, you naturally want to know what your
destination is and how to get there safe and sound. During the middle of
the 15 year civil war in Lebanon, at a time when many believers had been
isolated and cut off from contact with outside Christians, I attempted
to find a way to visit. Since I had never traveled there before, nor spoke
the language, I was helpless without a guide. Fortunately a Christian friend
from Lebanon met me half-way and personally guided me safely through unfamiliar
territory, including some challenging road-blocks and check-points along
the way.
Jesus knew that his followers could not find the way to the Father in
heaven on their own without his help. In fact, that is why the Father sent
his Son into the world on a rescue mission to restore those who were lost
and without a guide. Jesus made a statement which only God could make and
deliver. Jesus proclaimed: I am the Way. Through Moses and the prophets,
God promised to guide his people in a "holy way" so they could walk and
live in his peace and blessing. And a highway shall be there, and it
shall be called the Holy Way; the unclean shall not pass over it, and fools
shall not err therein (Isaiah 35:8).
You shall not turn aside to
the right hand or to the left. You shall walk in all the way which the
Lord your God has commanded you (Deuteronomy 5:32-33). Teach me
your way, O Lord; and lead me on a level path (Psalm 27:11).
The Lord Jesus came to fulfill God's promise to bring his people, not
simply to a land flowing with milk and honey, but to a restored paradise
and new creation where we can dwell with God in perfect peace and unity.
That is why Jesus proclaims, I
am the way, and the truth, and the life. Jesus does not simply give
advice and direction. He personally is the Way,
and we cannot miss it. Through his life-giving word and Spirit, Jesus leads
and guides us personally every day. The Lord Jesus also is the Truth.
Many can say, "I have taught you the truth." Only Jesus can say,
I am
the Truth. Moral truth cannot be conveyed in words alone; it must be
conveyed in example. Jesus embodies the truth in his person. Jesus also
is the Life. He not only
shows
us the path of life (Psalm 16:11); he gives the kind of life which
only God can give – abundant life which never fails nor ends. Is there
any fear or trouble that keeps you from the perfect peace and happiness
of a life surrendered to Jesus Christ?
"Lord Jesus, you fill us with the joy of your saving presence
and you give us the hope of everlasting life with the Father in Heaven.
Show me the Father that I may always know and glorify him."
This reflection is courtesy of Don Schwager (c) 2012, whose website is located at http://www.rc.net/wcc/readings