It’s not “by chance” that our small group is discussing John, Chapter 18 this week – the week we believers refer to as “Holy Week.”
It’s not by chance that we discuss my perhaps very favorite passage of the Word – Jesus’ prayer for Himself, His Disciples, and all of us who will become His followers.
It’s not by chance that His Word continues to penetrate my heart, my mind, the depths of my soul.
We Christ followers have experienced it over and over in the days or years we’ve trusted Him. We’ve come to expect it – the grace of that Word, spoken and realized, right when we need it the most. The grace of knowing His teaching, following His leading, and sensing His direction comes alive again within us. No, it’s not by chance – it’s by the Holy Spirit that Jesus promised, living within us. It’s by the Words our Lord prayed for us, shortly before He went to the cross, “I . . . will continue to make you known,” to us, the believers, “. . . that I myself may be in them.”[i] Yes, it’s Jesus in me!
During this Holy Week,
I’m thinking that I would be bold, like Peter, defending my Lord, using my sword to swipe at the enemy. [ii] And I’m realizing that He would tell me to put my sword away! – that His plans must prevail.
I’m thinking that I would be adamant, like Peter, committed to following my Lord, whatever the cost. And I’m realizing that “before the rooster crows three times,”[iii] like Peter, I would deny Him.
Am I trusting Him completely? Or denying His promises?
Am I seeking Him first? Or denying Him by seeking others?
Am I rejoicing in Him? Or denying the joy He offers?
“ . . . and at that moment the rooster began to crow.” [iv]
[i] John 17:25,26
[ii] John 18:10
[iii] John 13:38
[iv] John 18:27