SAYING GOOD-BYE

“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.” (John 14:1)
 
We took a vacation to California as a family just before dropping our oldest, Hannah, off at Bible College a few weeks ago.  It was a blast hanging out as a family together one last time before things changed and a new “normal” came our way.  As I sat there one day in devotions I thought about Jesus’ last week with his disciples.  He spent 3 years hanging with them.  It was certainly a family.  Leaving is never easy.  So with Him as our example, let’s note these things about saying “good-bye” to loved ones who are heading off to a new chapter in their lives.
 

1. Eat with them (John 13).  Jesus had one last Passover meal with his disciples.  I’m sure it was a blast (as Passover was).  As my family shared one last meal together at Olive Garden, we laughed and shared all kinds of things that make us who we are.
2. Share with them (John 13).  Jesus shared with them something new they hadn’t known before…His body would be broken & there was a new covenant in His blood.  Share with those people something wonderfully new about the work of Jesus in your life.  What would you pass on to them?
3. Serve them (John 13).  Jesus then washed their feet.  Find a special way to show them how valued they are to you.  Serve them in a way that they see your love for them.
4. Speak to them. (John 14)  Jesus spoke to them of the future plan of God and settled their fears. (14:1-6).  And then He shared with them about the work of the Spirit in the present and how there can be peace (14:15-31).  Fears come in any new changes, remember it’s God’s Plans, His Promises, & the Power of His Spirit that will steady us through tough times.  Make sure you speak to them about the Lord.
5. Remind them (John 15). Just as Jesus reminded them to stay connected to Him for life as a branch to the vine, so too remind them to say plugged in to Jesus and the fellowship found in a local church.  Grow in His Word, His Love, and His Life in this new phase.
   
6. Warn them (John 16) Jesus did not hold back that there might be some persecution ahead.  Tough times can come.  Don’t feel bad about giving some tough words to real friends.  It shows you really care.
   
7. Pray for them (John 17)  How important to see that Jesus prayed for their present & future.  Pray for those people right then and there.  Paul prayed for his brethren right on the shores of Ephesus before leaving (Acts 21)
   

 
Jesus then went to the cross, died for them, and rose again…only to see them again in a few days.  How great are reunions with loved ones in Jesus not only in this life, but knowing we will have forever with them too!
 
God bless,
Pastor Jesse