December 5 - Don't Stumble

These things I have spoken to you so that you may be kept from stumbling. They will make you outcasts from the synagogue, but an hour is coming for everyone who kills you to think that he is offering service to God. These things they will do because they have not known the Father or Me. But these things I have spoken to you, so that when their hour comes, you may remember that I told you of them. These things I did not say to you at the beginning, because I was with you. But now I am going to Him who sent Me; and none of you asks Me, 'Where are You going?' But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart.  John 16:1-6  

Have you ever had a loved one that told you they were dying—going to “go away” permanently? That must have been how the disciples felt when Jesus kept talking about going away. Jesus was preparing them for the trials and rejections that they were surely going to have to go though—just because they were His followers. He had just talked to them about pruning, and then being hated…and now death. How disturbing this prophesy about their future must have been. Death. Their death. Jesus talked a lot—about a lot of different things—and there were more topics ahead that would be even more mystifying. This was an intensely deep teaching time at the Passover dinner. Jesus last Passover meal. He wanted to warn them and encourage them not to fall away from His teaching. Don’t stumble. 

May these words to His disciples encourage us, too. Don’t stumble or fall away from Jesus teaching if you feel persecution. When you feel like an outcast or think that someone is plotting your demise, then consider what Jesus went through and what He did for you. Unlike His disciples, we know the rest of the story…His death and resurrection. We don’t have to wonder where Jesus went…we know that He has gone to Heaven, and that He will return one day to take us to be with Him there. That knowledge is like a spiritual feast. Savor those words—He will return and call us to go up to Heaven with Him. Hang in there—and believe. Believe in Jesus as not only your Savior—but as Lord of your life. And He shall reign forever and ever. King of Kings. Lord of Lords. Hallelujah! 

Heavenly Father—Thank you for your plan for our lives, for sending Jesus to pay the price for our sins. You have an awesome Son. I look forward to a spiritual feast with You—for Your words are savory to my ears…as well as to my heart and very soul.

© 2012 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB).