He’s Got This

 March 7, 2021

Things were getting dangerous. Jesus’ disciples had more than once walked up and down the length of Palestine, following in the footsteps of their Master, soaking in his wisdom and learning of his mission, but although he had warned them, they weren’t prepared for what lay ahead. They could feel the tension building, dread hanging like a dark cloud over their heads as they walked step by step towards Jerusalem. The noose was tightening, and Thomas put into words what they all were thinking; “let us go die with him” (John 11:16). 

Now they are in the Upper Room, which could better be called the Gloom Room. Jesus is once more talking to them, preparing them for what he knew would happen later that night. He tells the he is going to leave them, and that for the first time in three years, they cannot go with him. Peter (of course, Peter) blurts out, “I’ll follow you, even if it means dying for you.” He meant well, but Jesus knew Peter better than Peter knew Peter. “Before morning, you’ll deny me three times.”

Can you imagine the atmosphere in that room? Maybe you can. You look around you and see nothing but trouble. Everywhere you turn there are problems, danger, and looming disaster. You mean well, are trying hard to keep up with things, and are only looking for a bit of encouragement from God, but instead of comfort, he reveals what is inside you—your deepest fears, your insecurities, your failures and your propensity for failure. Instead of encouragement from Jesus, it feels like a kick in the teeth.

Hear Jesus once again: “Let not your hearts be troubled.” Don’t let the garbage all around you get inside you. Don’t even let the garbage in you destroy you. Here’s the truth we too often forget: When Jesus saved you, he factored in your fears, your failure, your foolishness. He isn’t surprised at it, isn’t discouraged by it, isn’t deterred from accomplishing his will in spite of it. We worry about the future, whether we are strong enough to endure it, wise enough to handle it, courageous enough to face it. We know how we’ve failed in the past, and imagine that God can’t overcome that failure in the future. We’ve tried and failed, so we’re afraid of trying again. 

Jesus knew Peter would fail him, but he had a plan that took Peter’s failure into account, and knew that Peter would become a Rock of faith and faithfulness. Peter hadn’t yet failed, but Jesus said he would fail, but even so, “Don’t let your heart be troubled.” No matter how bad things get, don’t let your heart be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in Jesus. He’s got this!