November 12, 2020 -- John 13:21-22 -- Persistent, Patient, Paternal Love

After saying these things, “Jesus was troubled in his spirit, and testified, “Truly, truly I say to you, one of you will betray me.” The disciples looked at one another, uncertain of whom he spoke.

John 13:21-22 English Standard Version

“Listen, if I knew you were going to blow me off and wound me,” the exasperated voice huffed, “I would not have invested all this time in you !”No doubt many people have said such things. Imagine scenarios where this might be said:

A couple on the verge of breaking up.

An angry parent exhausted by trying to teach a near-adult child.

A boss working with a new recruit.

You can think of countless instances in your life where you just felt thrown away.

Jesus, though troubled in His Spirit, though experiencing human heart-break, did not give up on Judas Iscariot. Nor did Jesus short-circuit Judas’ chance for redemption. As long as Jesus lived and ministered, Judah had every opportunity to return to Jesus and find grace and forgiveness.

The disciples were so confused. It was not obvious to them that Judas Iscariot was the betrayer. Nor was it obvious to them that Peter would deny Jesus. Nor was it clear that everyone of them would abandon Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane when Jesus was arrested a few hours later.

This should give all reading this devotion tremendous hope! God is not done with you! He sent Jesus so that lost and ruined sinners—even those who’ve walked with Him for a long time and still do not “get it” will receive the wonderful, healing forgiveness only He can bring. The Spirit of God is knocking on the door of your heart, He is working on your conscience. Now is the day of salvation. Now is the time to open your heart and confess how much you need Him!

The prophet Hosea’s words (chapter 14) form the basis of today’s prayer.

Return, O wayward people, return to the LORD your God, for you have stumbled because of your immoral, vile hearts. Take words of confession with you and return to the LORD with your whole heart, accepting the good He will pour out. The LORD promised, and fulfilled these promises in Christ: I will heal their apostasy; I will love them freely, for my anger has turned from them; I will be like dew to My often-times wayward people, refreshing them so that they shall blossom like the lily and take root like tall, strong trees. Spirit of the Living God, igniting in us understanding and a desire for what is good, move us to act on these feelings so that the riches offered in Jesus Christ are poured out all proving in this generation again God’s promises are “Yes” and “Amen”.