"Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me." John 14:1 ESV
It was Jesus' last night with his disciples. He had just explained to them the need for him to leave them. The poor disciples are heartbroken and distraught. They had followed their friend and teacher for over three years. They had witnessed the miracles and seen countless lives changed by Jesus. Now he is going away and where he is going they can't go with him -- not yet. Jesus, gives them these words of hope and promise. They are not to be unsettled by what is to happen. God has a plan, and it involves Jesus. If they trust that God has a plan, then they must also trust in Jesus' role in the fulfillment of God's plan. Jesus was going away to complete the plan of deliverance for all of mankind.
Today, unlike the disciples we are not waiting for Jesus to go away, he fulfilled his role long ago paying the price of atonement for us. We can enjoy the realization of salvation brought about by God's plan. We also can still find peace in the scripture today. God does not want our hearts to be troubled. His desire is for us to find inner peace and healing through Jesus Christ our mediator.
God, we thank you for your plan of salvation fulfilled by the suffering, death, resurrection, and accession of Jesus Christ our savior. We give thanks for the peace you offer in our times of distress. Let us place our trust continually in you. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
