"Jesus knew that His hour had come to leave this world and return to His Father." (John 13:1 NLT)
Jesus knew it was just about time to pack up and take off. He knew where He was going and He knew the path He had to take to get there. The last leg of His journey was going to be unpleasant, for sure.
I know I wrote about it yesterday, and really, this post should have preceded the last post, but who thinks chronologically, anyway? 🙂 Rob and I are scheduled to leave for Italy in a little over a month. Pasta, gelato, and copious amounts of coffee all seem to be an appropriate celebration for twenty-five years of matrimony.
Just the other day, I asked Rob: “Are you excited for Italy?” He replied deliberately, in a very Rob-like manner. “I’m excited for the sight-seeing. I’m not looking forward to the process of getting there.” We’ve traveled internationally before, he knows what he is getting himself into.
These words in John 13 remind me of that conversation. Jesus was, at last, going Home. After thirty-three years apart, He would be able to fall into His Father’s arms again. But the journey would be brutal; far more arduous than an overseas flight. Jesus would have to battle His humanity each and every step of the way. The temptation to call down curses or quit would be continual. The anguish: unbearable. The subjects of the His salvation efforts; desirable. And yet, we know, due to the testimony of all four gospels, how Jesus would persevere through the pain and humiliation. He’d push through the crucifixion and resurrection, all the way Home.
Believers can be encouraged by Jesus’ endurance. He persisted because He knew what was on the other side of His agony. He knew that at the end of the journey, He’d arrive Home. This is thill true for every person that puts their faith in Jesus. When it’s all said and done, we’ll put our feet on heavenly soil. Whatever happens between here and there is just another uncomfortable leg int he journey. We cannot let the difficulties of today dissuade us from our destination. We are going Home. What it costs to get there is of little consequence.
“We are foreigners and strangers in Your sight, as well as all our ancestors. Our days on earth are like a shadow, without hope.” (1 Chronicles 29:15 NLT)
Lord, it is good to remember that we are passing through. As a great deal of our journey is challenging, we look to You as our archetype: faithfully persisting despite deep disappointment. You knew You were going Home. Solidify that knowledge in us as we pursue You wholeheartedly. Help us persevere on every leg of our voyage, hearts set upon unbroken fellowship with the family of God forever. Amen.