“To Keep You From Falling”

“I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you…

“If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you…

“I have said all these things to you to keep you from falling away.  They will put you out of the synagogues. Indeed, the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God. And they will do these things because they have not known the Father, nor me. But I have said these things to you, that when their hour comes you may remember that I told them to you.

“I did not say these things to you from the beginning, because I was with you…  But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.” John 14:16-18; 15:18-19; 16:1-4,6-7

Jesus is the perfect parent. His every intention is borne of love, His every word meaningful and laced with knowledge and grace. He prepared and trained His disciples in the present for all He knew their future would hold, to keep them from falling. He equipped them with appropriate information and spiritual sustenance and power, so they would remember. He met the warning of His coming absence with the promise of His Spirit forever, and that they would be hated in the world by reminding them He had chosen them out of it. They would be persecuted, but He would also, and though they could not now understand, they would soon recall His victory.

And all He pledged His followers before His crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension, He does for us today because of them. We will face many dangers, toils, and snares, but we need not fall, and we need not fear. Our Lord has gone before us, triumphant in every trial. His Spirit dwells within as comfort, strength, and guide. He metes out knowledge as He sees fit to ready us for what is to come, and some things He does not yet reveal because we might faint or fail were we to know. We can trust Him to prepare us adequately and illumine the substance of His promises in and at the exact time we need.

Looking ahead, what fears- of lack or pain, rejection or hardship- cause worry and consternation? Would we review and take to heart His promises, believing that He works even difficulties for our good and sanctification? That He will never leave or forsake us? That His Spirit abides with and intercedes for us always? (Deuteronomy 31:6; Job 23:10; Romans 8:26-28,31-39; Hebrews 13:5)

Lord, help me apply Your preparation and take hold of Your promises. In all that comes, may I boldly honor Your name.