"LOOK AHEAD AND BE HAPPY!"

Tuesday, May 08, 2007
Reading: John 14:27—31

There are times we must do things that take us away from those we love. I feel sure that Jesus would like to have stayed with his friends, there is a certain peace and security to stay with those we love and who love us. But he had to leave them, he had to let himself fall into the hands of people who hated him and be crucified. Later, after he rose from the dead, he would return to them, but again only for a short while. It was his Father’s will that he return to heaven. And Jesus loved his Father too. Though his leaving was hard on everybody, it had to be done. God his Father knew best. His friends could join Jesus later.

There are many things in our lives that may not be pleasant to us, but best for us. We have to learn to take the good with the bad. Separations from those we love are sometimes involved. Military people have to leave their families and go off to war, traveling salespeople and truck drivers have to leave home to make a living for their families. Young people go off to college, school buddies part company for summer vacation, graduation forces all to go their own ways. Death is the final separator.

But for those who love God, and trust God, it will all end well. Friends and lovers will again be with one another for a never ending reunion. “I go away for awhile,” Jesus said, “but I will come back.” Jesus and his friends are now together forever. It will happen with you and yours too. Look ahead and be happy.