Clothesline 297 "Believe God's Blueprint"

This Sunday we were taken back to the Last Supper with Jesus’ final words to his disciples. That might seem like a strange passage since we are in the season of Easter. But—remember—we are approaching Jesus’ Ascension—leaving the disciples a second time, and the words Jesus spoke showed just how much He loves them…and us!

Chapters 14 through 17 in John’s Gospel is called Jesus’ Final Discourse most of which is believed to have occurred at the Last Supper. Jesus’ words are priceless: “Don’t be troubled. Trust me; believe in me. I’m going back to my Father, and where I’m going, there is a place for you. And when it’s time for you to come home to me, your place will be waiting for you.” When Thomas says that he and the others don’t understand, Jesus says: “I’ve tried so many times to tell you, to show you. I am the way. Follow me, do as I have done, walk down that same road because… I am the truth. You’ll find me in the breaking of bread, in the prayers, in one another because... I am the life. You cannot exist without me. The world will try to take you away from me. It will give you many opportunities to deny me. But you must remember: I am the only way, the only truth, the only life.”

Amazing words, aren’t they! And when we look at those words as the backdrop for our weekly celebration of Holy Communion, we see the love and compassion Jesus has for his children. As I thought about these words of Jesus and how they affect us today, I thought about how they have affected my life and I offer them to you.

Believe in God, not in the world. We mustn’t let the world and what it offers numb us to the power of sin. A passage in 1 Peter reads: “the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” God is our only hope against the world.

Believe in the story of the lilies of the field. Jesus said: “If God so clothes the lilies of the field, how much more will he clothe you.” We are under his watchful eye…all the time.

Believe that God does not cause pain. Pain is a result of sin in the world, and someday in that room which is being prepared for you, there will be no pain, no sorrow, only joy in the presence of Almighty God.

Believe that the Spirit of God dwells in us. If you are a baptized member of God’s holy church, the Holy Spirit dwells in you.

Believe that God wants a relationship with you. Talk to God. Tell him about your day. Give him your disappointments. Offer him your accomplishments. Come to him and let him simply love you.

Believe that you have been commissioned to tell the story. Tell everyone you know how you are redeemed by the blood of Jesus and how you are a new creation because of his unconditional love.

That’s your blueprint for life! Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life. And what a joyful day it will be in heaven, when you get to occupy that room, being prepared especially for you.