Our Provisions from Jesus.

Jesus tells His disciples to not let their hearts be troubled, for in His Father’s house are many rooms (John 14:1-2). This statement assumes that we are not yet home. Jesus continues, “If anyone loves Me, he will follow My Word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our dwelling with him" (John 14:23). Though we are not now at that place Jesus is preparing for us, He wants us to be confident and assured that we are not left to trouble, distress, fear, and worry because the Godhead has made a home in each of us.

The Bible gives us different illustrations of how the Godhead could abide or make their home in us. We are a family in the Lord Jesus Christ. We are the temple of the living God, indwelt by the Spirit of God. The Lord designed marriage to picture how Jesus cares for His church. Though we may have troubles, we can be comforted in the truth that the Godhead abides in us. When the Godhead dwells in us, we will become like the Lord.

Provision of the Resurrection

Jesus comforts the disciples with a reminder of the resurrection. Because He lives, they will live too. The disciples are trying to reconcile what they have learned from Old Testament Scripture with this truth from Jesus. They had been taught all their lives that the Messiah was coming, and when He did, the Messiah would reveal Himself to the world; and all the nations would bow to Him in worship. However, Jesus is saying He must leave and then come back, but that He will reveal Himself to the one who loves Him (John 14:18-22).

Because Jesus lives, we are not orphans but children of God. Believing in the resurrection of Jesus changes our lives because it is a miracle, supernatural (John 20:8-9). Regardless of the pain and struggle and hurt, we can rejoice in the hope of the resurrection of Jesus.

Provision of a Relationship

There is a special, intimate relationship with the Godhead for those who are in Jesus Christ (John 14:23). This relationship is more than reading our Bibles, attending church, and serving in a specific manner. These things can become a check list if we are not careful.

This intimate relationship with the Lord requires us daily to sincerely seek the power of the living Word of God, which by the Spirit of Truth works changes in our hearts, leading to a practice of righteous living while shaping us into the image of Christ.

The other critical requirement to grow in our personal relationship with the Lord is to seek the intimacy of prayer each day, communicating with our Heavenly Father and prioritizing time to be still and know.

Provision of the Spirit of Truth

Jesus has given the ministry of the Holy Spirit within each one who believes in Him (John 14:26). The Spirit of Truth will teach us all things. Because of the Spirit, we have the living Word of God, the Bible. The Spirit will bring to our remembrance the truth and give us right understanding for each individual situation.

Provision of the Sovereignty of God

Jesus says the very circumstances that are causing the disciples to fear are the very circumstances that God wants at that point in time (John 14:27-31). Jesus is going to the cross to suffer and to die. If the disciples had understood the greatness of the Father and His perfect plan, then they would be rejoicing.

No matter what is happening in a believer’s life, the Father is greater. Knowing the sovereignty of the greatness of God will lead to the perfect peace of God. Jesus models this trust in the sovereignty of the greatness of God by going about His Father’s business (John 14:31).

May we walk in resurrection power, having confidence that because Jesus lives, we live. May we be changed by an intimate relationship with the Lord, growing in the understanding of the truth of Scripture by the grace of the Holy Spirit at work in us. Regardless of the trouble that comes, may we trust in and submit to the greatness of the sovereignty of God, persevering in our service to Him.

Application Points

• How is your relationship with the Lord? Are you checking things off a list and calling it a relationship? Or are you craving the Word of Life and His power to work change in you? The Godhead desires intimacy with you.
• Regardless of circumstances, are you able to confess peace and joy in the sovereignty of God? Are you able to be about the Father’s business because of your trust in the Father’s greatness? God’s plans for you are good.

Tools for Further Study

Cross References to Explore

• Psalm 2; John 2:22

A Hymn to Encourage: "Be Still My Soul"

Be still, my soul; the Lord is on thy side;
bear patiently the cross of grief or pain.
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
in every change He faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul; thy best, thy heav'nly Friend
through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

Be still, my soul; the hour is hast'ning on
when we shall be forever with the Lord,
when disappointment, grief, and fear are gone,
sorrow forgot, love's purest joys restored.
Be still, my soul; when change and tears are past,
all safe and blessed we shall meet at last.