Sent? Yes. Alone? Never.

Some of the tensest moments in life are those “first solo flight” experiences when, for the first time, we’re on our own and “it’s all on us.”  Do you remember your first sales call?  What about the day you brought your firstborn home from the hospital?  Your public speaking debut?  Or maybe for you it literally was a solo flight!   Life’s “firsts” jolt us like unseen caffeine. 

It was the night before Jesus’ crucifixion; he was about to finish his Father’s work and return to him.  And it was time for the Christ to hand over the keys to his disciples.  Their turn to drive.  There would be no more learning at the feet of him who is wisdom and truth personified ... no more ringside seats to the greatest miracle show on earth ... gone now was their safe bystander status while Jesus took on the opposition, outwitting and confounding even the sharpest among them.

Can you even begin to imagine going solo after Jesus?  How do you pick up and move forward from that?!?  Yet there they would be, on their own.  Or so it must have seemed to them.

But we know different!  Jesus’ first followers would not be left alone any more than we who follow him today.  Rather, they who had walked with Christ by sight would now live in him by faith.  Just as we do now.  And so Jesus shared these final instructions – this “Trinity teaching” – not only for their benefit, but also for ours.

Obey the Son, as the Son has obeyed the Father.  Jesus said, “the world must learn that I love the Father and that I do exactly what my Father has commanded me.”  The Son did not decide what he would do for the Father; the Father decided and the Son obeyed.  It's a model that applies to us.  Jesus said, “If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching.  My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.” 

Listen for the Holy Spirit, who is sent by the Father and the Son.  In our own power, obeying Jesus’ commands is impossible.  We have neither the ability nor the inclination to do so.  But the Father and the Son have given us the means to accomplish them; we have been given the Holy Spirit who teaches us “all things” and reminds us of everything Jesus has taught.  And if we don't hear him?  Wait.  He will speak.

Rest in Christ who is faithful and true.  Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you....  Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”  We can rest – we can be at peace – because the truth of the matter is, we’re not on our own at all.  Much the opposite!  The Christ who once walked with his people now lives in his people.  Our power is nothing short of the Spirit of Christ in us, and his Word is our authority.  His Kingdom has come, and it is within us.

So let’s go.  Obediently.  Patiently.  Peacefully.  And boldly!  For we are ever sent ... and never alone.

[Click here to see the daily reading in John 14:23-31.]