be loved

Scripture: John 14
‘I will not leave you orphaned; I am coming to you. In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me; because I live, you also will live. On that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. They who have my commandments and keep them are those who love me; and those who love me will be loved by my Father, and I will love them and reveal myself to them.’ Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, ‘Lord, how is it that you will reveal yourself to us, and not to the world?’ Jesus answered him, ‘Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; and the word that you hear is not mine, but is from the Father who sent me.  ‘I have said these things to you while I am still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.

Observation:

Jesus promises a spiritual presence in his physical absence.  He does not abandon anyone.  We are never alone in the spiritual journey.  His Word dwells inside the hearts and minds of those who love him.  His Word is love, shalom, peace, mercy, faith.  To love and practice what he commands is to love him.  To love him is to love God.  Jesus promises to make a home with those who keep His Word.  Christianity is not about Jesus making a home in heaven for the faithful.  It's not an evacuation plan for dying believers.  Instead, Jesus dwells inside those who are living the way he lived.  Jesus shows up in those who embody His Spirit of peace.We are invited to be the peace the world needs. A peace that knows no fear, no trouble, no despair.  

Application:

Jesus invites his followers to live with spiritual integrity---to live the way he teaches.  His commandment is to love others. The church, I confess, has not always practiced the love of Christ.  We are sinners.  Forgive us. Author and disciples Shane Claiborne says that the church taught him what to believe about God, but not how to love like Jesus.  But I believe we can learn.  Discipleship is to learn how to be loved By God and how to love others like Jesus.     
On my way out of court today (I was accompanying a friend whose husband is standing trial), two women and a man caught my attention. When they stopped ahead of me on the sidewalk, the woman saw me and said "God forgive me."  She noticed I was dressed like a priest or pastor.  I said nothing.  But as I walked to the parking garage I was moved to speak to her.  If I saw them in the garage, I thought, I would say something.  Sure enough, I practically ran them over and they spotted me.  I opened my window and said "God did, does, and God will forgive you."  They told me after she said it, they started talking about God and sins.  She was a formerly incarcerated, recovering addict, single mom named Jen.  She was also a person of faith without a church community.  I spent twenty minutes talking with them, inviting them to dinner church and the returning citizen support group. I gave them my number and asked them to call or text me.  Tomorrow she has to go to court at 9 am.  She's facing more trouble, more hardship.  I will be there, too.  Perhaps God is speaking to her through me, bringing her peace, hope, forgiveness, and love. God has not abandoned her, even though she admits abandoning God.  I believe this was a holy encounter, directed by the Spirit of Jesus. We crossed paths because she needed to hear a Word from Jesus--Peace.   

Prayer 

Lord, you breathe your Spirit inside us, send us out on your behalf, and command us to love as you love.  Make us aware of those to whom we are sent. Give us courage to speak your grace. I pray for Jen.  Amen.