Being with the Father
Rev. Enoch Thompson | July 27, 2024 | John 14:28-29
KEY VERSE:
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. John 14:28 (NIV)
MESSAGE:
To be with God the Father is the most exciting thing that could happen to any person. The Lord Jesus Himself was going to the Father, and He had promised His followers that He would prepare a place for them where the Father is and come and take them there.
The blessedness of being with the Father was so much that the disciples should have rejoiced and been glad that He was going there. They, however, were more preoccupied with the fact that He was leaving them.
When we lose loved ones in death it often gives us much pain. But if these loved ones loved the Lord and walked with Him in this life then our sorrow will have to be mixed with joy and be finally consumed with gladness that our departed loved ones are with the Father above.
But we do not need to die before we can be with the Father! In our lifetime, as we choose to die to the sinful nature and choose the will of God, we bring ourselves by the help of the Holy Spirit where the presence of the Father is with us, He in is and we are in Him. When our friends and loved ones are in this blessed state then death is conquered in this life by the divine life, and this is great joy.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
Have you died yet, are you with the Father? Strive to enter God's presence through the straight and narrow way. He longs to meet you on that road.
PRAYER:
Dear Father in Heaven, I am grateful that I can draw near to you in this life and finally when I cross the river of death. I desire to know You and to walk with You. Please help me by your Holy Spirit. In Jesus' Name! Amen.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
DAILY word study: GOING AWAY
The Greek word for "going away" in John 14:28 is "ὑπάγω" (hypagō). This verb means "to go away," "to depart," or "to withdraw." It conveys a sense of moving from one place to another, often with a purpose or destination in mind.
Here, "going away" (ὑπάγω) refers to Jesus' impending departure through His death, resurrection, and ascension. This departure is not merely a physical separation but a return to the Father, signifying the completion of His earthly mission and the fulfilment of divine purposes.
Jesus reassures His disciples that His departure is beneficial for them because it means He will be with the Father, interceding on their behalf and preparing a place for them (John 14:2-3).
Reflections:
Jesus' "going away" is not a loss but a gain for believers. How does understanding Jesus' "going away" to be with the Father impact your faith and confidence in His ongoing presence and intercession in your life?
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