John 3:36-14:1 "Simon Peter said unto HIM, LORD, whither goest THOU ? JESUS answered him, Whither I go thou canst not follow ME now; but thou shalt follow ME afterwards. Peter said unto HIM, LORD, why cannot I follow THEE now ? I will lay down my life for THY sake. JESUS answered him, Wilt thou lay down thy life for MY sake ? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, The cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied ME thrice. Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in GOD, believe also in ME."
How do we as believers find consolation in these troubling times in which we live ? JESUS told HIS downhearted disciples that they could find comfort in the world despite HIS physical absence from them by simply believing GOD. JESUS' message to the disciples is applicable to us today as well; we must trust the LORD.
The belief of which JESUS speaks does not refer to faith unto salvation but to a continual trust in and reliance upon the SOURCE of our salvation. In our text, JESUS also reasserts HIS deity, reminding the disciples that, as GOD, HE shares complete omniscience and omnipotence with the FATHER. Therefore, they could trust HIM and possess utmost confidence that everything HE promised them would come to pass just as HE said. They simply needed to believe HIM ! Comfort is only appropriated through faith.
The sole way the disciples could be helped in the midst of their situation was to be assured and certain in the truth of JESUS's WORDs. Imagine trying to take heart apart from any confidence or surety of hope. It is impossible ! The disciples needed to find comfort through belief in the person, work, and WORDs of CHRIST, and we will only find true consolation in our own day when we, likewise, rest in the promises of our LORD. Faith in HIM is essential in order to possess true peace. Second Corinthians 1:3-5, pictured above, reminds us that "the GOD of all comfort" comforts us so we, in turn, can help others with the same succor we have received from HIM. What support is this ? Is it merely a hand around the shoulder? No ! This solace is found in the knowledge and assurance that our GOD is faithful and true and that what HE says will, indeed come to pass ! MDC
Your servant in CHRIST,
Julie
Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.
Used with permission. www.featoday.org
https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation
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