John 14:29
Several years ago, as I began to use minimalism to remove layers from my life, I began to uncover free time. I started using this time to treasure hunt in the Bible. I found more than recordings of ancient history; I discovered God’s character and plan to restore His relationship with His creation. Before, I had rushed past verses, not realizing how the Old Testament was so connected and deeply interwoven with prophecies about Jesus’ first and second arrival to earth. In this verse of John 14, Jesus asks His disciples to dare believe that He is the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies, and in His resurrection, He promised them confirmation. He tells them that the words He has spoken about the future will come to pass, just as those spoken by the prophets long ago were fulfilled in Him. This gives us so much hope in a world filled with uncertainty. Jesus promised it, and we can trust Him; He is coming back!
John 14:30
I had never considered Satan as the prince of this world before immersing myself in John 14 and hearing Jesus refer to him this way. This explains so much about the pain and disruption we see all around us and feel within; we are living in Enemy territory. His scheme is to disrupt the relationship between humanity and our Creator. Jesus has been teaching that He is in the Father, the Father is in Him, and the Spirit of Truth dwells in us—this is what it means to abide. To be filled so wholly and entirely with the Presence of God that there is no space for the prince of this world. With these words, Jesus gives us His strategy: leave no room for the Enemy. Abide.
John 14:31
I can’t think of a better declaration for this year! “But that the world may know that I love the Father.” Purpose. Every word and action of Jesus was an act of worship to His Father, evidence of His love. His life was an overflowing of this love, and His death, the final proclamation of it. Jesus understood the purpose of His life because of His relationship with His Father; this is the only way we will discover direction and purpose for our lives. It all begins with a relationship, in the quiet place where we learn His voice and commands. And from here, when we submit our will and let go of control, we declare our love for the Father. As Jesus concluded this conversation with His disciples, He followed it with another statement, “Arise, let us go from here.” Like His disciples then, we are not meant to stay in the upper room, where it’s comfortable and safe. Therefore, let’s go out and declare to the world that we love the Father!
Reflecting
If you have taken the time to meditate daily on John 14, I pray that your relationship with Jesus has deepened as you’ve absorbed His words. I hope you’ve read them in a new way that changes how you see the world and your present circumstances. A way that helps you release control and rest more fully in Him.
Keep Seeking
As we move into another new month, I encourage you to build on this momentum of daily treasure hunting. I love John 15 through 17, where Jesus builds on many of the concepts from John 14 in these final chapters before His death. I am learning; this is only the beginning of learning to abide—in all things!
Learning to Abide: Thirty-one Days in John 14
I’ve added a page on the menu where you can easily find this series; you can find it by clicking here. You can also still find the daily posts on Instagram @discovering_sunrise.