Joy and peace
Day 683, Thursday, June 25
John 15:18 – 16:33
In just a matter of hours the apostles’ world will be turned upside down. Jesus will be taken from them and brutally killed. The inner circle they have trusted—the twelve—will be broken by betrayal. Even Peter, the rock, will prove to be no stronger than sand. It is in this troubled hour, though, that Jesus promises them joy and peace.
In fact, he tells them that his departure is necessary for them to receive that joy and peace. “Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.”
Up until now, the disciples have been aware of the Father, because that part of the Trinity is essentially the way they have always understood God. The Holy Spirit was probably less familiar; it is only near the end of his life that Jesus speaks much about the Spirit.
For the last three years, though, what they have mostly known is the Son, Jesus himself. Jesus has served as guide and defender, and as an intermediary between the apostles and the Father. Now, though, the relationship is changing; their relationship with the Father and the Spirit will be more direct.
Jesus has told them he will send the Advocate, the Holy Spirit. Their connection to the Father changes as well. “In that day you will ask in my name. I am not saying that I will ask the Father on your behalf. No, the Father himself loves you because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God.”
“In that day you will no longer ask me anything. Very truly I tell you, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.”
The new relationship will bring not just joy, but also peace. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Thursday meditation
Psalms 150:1-6
Praise the Lord.
Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens. Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness. Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre, praise him with timbrel and dancing, praise him with the strings and pipe, praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals.
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.
Praise the Lord.
Prayer focus
God, grant us joy and peace, in the name of Jesus Christ.
-Rev. Mark Fleming