Nov. 7, 2010, Bible Studies for Life
Why the Christian Life Is Better
John?14:15-18, 27-31a;?15:11-16
In November 1997, I was involved in a serious automobile accident that left my right leg severely broken. My condition rendered me nearly immobile and confined to a bed or reclining chair. I required assistance for every activity. As an eager, 22-year-old man, moving in with my parents for a time was a humbling experience. In the midst of my months-long recovery, my father’s television malfunctioned, and he called a repairman for an appointment. He scheduled the appointment during a time when both he and my mother would be away. I would be there alone. As Dad gave the man instructions for entering the house, he said, “My son will be here when you arrive, but he can’t help you. He’s a convalescent.”
I was incredulous, and called out, “I am not a convalescent!” Dad, in his ever-calm voice, replied, “Then what would you call it?” He was right. I was a man in recovery, requiring constant assistance – a living definition of the term “convalescent.” In a real sense, every Christian is a convalescent – in recovery from spiritual death, having been made alive in Christ, but needing constant, unwavering assistance to persevere in faith.
In John 13-15, Jesus shares his last meal with the disciples, and delivers shocking news. One of the disciples will betray him, Peter will deny him, and he will be going away (John 13:36). The disciples could not contemplate what was about to happen, much less what it would achieve. Jesus, though, provides great comfort with great promises. He would ask the Father, and the Father would send a Helper, a Counselor, an Advocate – the Spirit of truth (John 14:16-17). The Spirit would dwell in them and be with them. So, while Jesus was leaving them, he would still be with them. Only friends enjoy such company, and Jesus calls his disciples – including us – his chosen friends (John 15:15-16).
Christianity isn’t merely a better religion; it is the only way to God’s presence. In Scripture, God’s presence guarantees final victory for the believer – victory in life and victory over death. God said to Moses at the burning bush, “I will be with you.” To Joshua, God said, “The Lord your God is with you.” Jesus came as Immanuel, “God with us,” and at the end of Matthew’s gospel, Jesus says, “I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Indeed, the most precious treasure of heaven is that “God himself will be with them as their God” (Revelation 21:3).
Convalescent you are. Alone you are not – and never will be. Jesus says, “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you” (John 14:18). He comes to us now by way of the Holy Spirit. He will be with us forever in glory.
Chuck Fuller– Lessons by Chuck Fuller, assistant professor of Christian studies at Anderson University. A graduate of Southern Seminary, Fuller previously served as pastor of Bethany Baptist Church in Louisville, Ky.