It’s interesting that one of our long-time family traditions is coming together as a family for whatever occasion ie. birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, funerals, or for someone who is leaving.

My parents would always make time to encourage and offer their blessings on each of their children and their families before leaving.

In much the same way Jesus also spoke words of encouragement to his disciples…and outlined things that were to come.

Here’s what Jesus said…

“If you love me, you will obey what I command. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another counsellor to be with you forever— the spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me.

Because I live, you also will live. On that day you will realise that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him.”

Then Judas (not Judas Iscariot) said, “But, Lord, why do you intend to show yourself to us and not to the world?” Jesus replied, “If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.

He who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me. “All this I have spoken while still with you. But the counsellor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. “You heard me say, ‘I am going away and I am coming back to you’.

If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe. I will not speak with you much longer, for the prince of this world is coming.

He has no hold on me, but the world must learn that I love the Father and that I do exactly what my Father has commanded me.

“Come now; let us leave.” (John 14:15–31, NIV)

Now, if you’re one of the disciples and you’re listening to Jesus, even though you may not have understood everything. He just said, what you do know is that Jesus is not going to abandon you. His departure is temporary. And when you see him again, he has something to give you that will change your life forever.

Unfortunately, the disciples could not comprehend everything Jesus was telling them. But Jesus didn’t expect them to.

He was just keeping his promise of letting them know things ahead of time so that when they do happen, they will understand. The light will come on…their faith will be confirmed, and they will say, “Surely this is the Son of God!”

Is it not amazing that Jesus spoke about things before they actually happened so that when they did occur, it would validate who he is as the promised Messiah?

Is it not equally amazing that these very accounts have been preserved in such a way that 2000 years later you are still reading them in order to fulfil the very same purpose – so that you may believe?

That tells us something about Jesus, doesn’t it. He wants you to believe… and to follow him in faith… and to be strengthened in your faith.

You see, when these things unfolded for the disciples, it served to confirm their convictions and ignite their passion to the point that every one of them would be martyred for their faith.

These guys hit the tape running. The distractions of the world would not slow them down and convince them to pull over and park. No compromises…they were all in.

What about you? Does his truth still confirm your convictions and ignite your passion? Are you willing to lay down your life, your dreams, your desires for his sake? Are you all in?

Know that you don’t get there by taking control. You get there by surrendering control.

The Spirit is given, not gotten. Did you notice that Jesus did not give the disciples a list of requirements to meet in order to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit? The fact is, the disciples were mostly confused and had no idea what was going to happen.

So, it’s not a reward for good behaviour. It’s not a second blessing. It is the blessing as a result of faith in Jesus Christ.

The Holy Spirit is the fulfilment of his promise not to leave us as orphans but to continue to guide us in truth and love. And your submission is the only limiting factor for your experience of his resurrection power.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13)

Enjoy the week ahead, but most be encouraged.