John 14:1-14 Some Assurances For A Troubled Heart

My commentary noted the troubled hearts of the disciples at Jesus’ announcement that He was going and that they could not follow right then, and then it set about explaining how Jesus calmed those troubled hearts, mentioning “six wonderful assurances to lay hold of … and thus enjoy untroubled hearts.”  Three of them are included in what I read today:

1)       You are going to Heaven – He gave a clear promise of His return for His people in verse 3.  Thomas then wanted to know “where He was going and how he himself would get there.  The Lord made it clear that He was going to the Father, and that He was the only way to the Father… Jesus did not simply teach the way or point the way; He is the way …Our Lord’s statement (in verse 6) wipes away any other proposed way to heaven – good works, religious ceremonies, costly gifts, etc.  There is only one way, and that way is Jesus Christ.

2)      You know the Father Right Now – My commentary spoke of different levels of knowing and intends to describe them in the next section I’ll read, but said “when Jesus said that knowing Him and seeing Him was the same as knowing and seeing the Father, He was claiming to be God.”

3)      You Have The Privilege of Prayer – “One of the best remedies for a troubled heart is prayer.  However, if God is going to answer our prayers and give us peace in our hearts, there are certain conditions that we must meet.  We must pray in faith .. Both love and obedience are part of effective prayer. ‘If I regard [see and approve] iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.’ (Psalm 66:18).  We must pray in Christ’s name – “means to ask what Jesus would ask, what would please Him, and what would bring Him glory by furthering His work … Any request that does not glorify God’s name should not be asked in His name.”  We must pray in loving obedience – “When you love someone, you honor his or her name, and you would never use that name in a demeaning manner.”

Father, when my heart is troubled, remind me of where I’m going, and that my Savior – Your Son – is the only way to You.  Thank You for allowing me to approach You in prayer and for hearing my prayers when I pray them in faith and obedience.  Help me to know what pleases You and what will bring glory to You so that I pray in Your will.

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford