[RE]UNION

The Goal

I love theatre — live stage acting, musicals, choreography, well-planned sets — it’s mesmerizing from your seat in the audience. But if you look behind the curtains, you get an entirely different perspective.

In John 17, we get a different perspective of Jesus — not the Jesus rebuking wind and waves, or the Jesus healing the lame and blind, or the Jesus hanging out with sinners and tax collectors. This is “backstage Jesus” — in authentic and intimate conversation with his Father. It provides us with a genuine glimpse of Jesus in prayer and relationship to the Father.

In verse 1, Jesus prays, “Father… Glorify your Son so that the Son may glorify you.” When Jesus prayed the aim of his prayer (and his life) was always God’s glory. When I pray, it’s often… “God, protect me, help me, heal me. God give me power, give me boldness, give me comfort.” Is it for his glory? Or… is it kinda for my own?

Jesus prays, essentially saying, “Father, it’s for your glory, so let’s do this — I’m ready to die.” With Jesus, God’s glory was always the goal. In verse 4 of John 17, Jesus prays, “I glorified you on earth by finishing the work that you gave me to do.” In every miracle and every problem, with every Pharisee and every follower. God’s glory was always the goal.

We’re on the other side of the old rugged cross, Hallelujah! But God’s glory is still the goal.

Every spiritual blessing I have in Christ… forgiveness, prayer, grace, salvation, peace, freedom, The Church, adoption, The Holy Spirit, heaven… it’s all amazing, and so, so good for me. But it’s not the goal. God’s glory is still the goal.

Glory is often visualized by light. We shine a light on a flag or monument or a musician on stage to say, “Hey, look here! This is good, important and worthy of honor.” What’s illuminated gets the glory. You can see this throughout the pages of Scripture from “Let there be light” on page one of the Bible to Moses and the burning bush, and Jesus’ Transfiguration. Light is a recurring metaphor that symbolizes importance, purity, and the absolute absence of darkness.

In John 8, Jesus says, “I am the light of the world.” But in Matthew 5, he tells us, “YOU are the light of the world… let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

God’s glory was the singular goal for Jesus, the light of the world.
God’s glory is forever your goal for “you are the light of the world.”
May your light shine brightly today for the glory of the Father who has given us His glory. (John 17:22)

Donielle Winter
EFCC Member

by Donielle Winter

The Hour Hath Come

Ever waited a long time for something? A baby to be born, an escrow to close, a school year to end, or the wedding day after a long engagement. Jesus waited about 33 years to do what he came to do. There are a few instances in the gospels that emphasize how long he had remaining and the hour yet to come.

John 2:4
“Woman, why do you involve me?” Jesus replied. “My hour has not yet come.”

Matthew 17:17
“You unbelieving and perverse generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy here to me.”

John 7:30
At this they tried to seize him, but no one laid a hand on him, because his hour had not yet come.

John 8:20
He spoke these words while teaching in the temple courts near the place where the offerings were put. Yet no one seized him, because his hour had not yet come.

Even demons were aware that Jesus’ time on earth was connected to important times to come.

Matthew 8:29
“What do you want with us, Son of God?” they shouted. “Have you come here to torture us before the appointed time?”

Jesus’ 33 years lead up to the rejection and pain he was born to experience on the cross. Just before his arrest and the beginning of his suffering, he prays,

John 17:1
“Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you.”

The hour finally arrived.

I bet waiting feels different when it's for something difficult, rather than the happy hopes listed above. The approaching death of a loved one in pain, a judge pronouncing an uncertain sentence, a lie not yet found out, a difficult surgery rescheduled. That kind of waiting can be awful and frightening. But Jesus’ life up to that moment was not marred by fear, except the fear of the Lord. Trusting the Lord helps life be marked by faith, not dread. Jesus even prays for the glory of God to be revealed through the pain. We can pray that same way and live it too as we trust his timing and love.

Pastor John Riley

by John Riley

Measuring Infinite Love

We are looking at John 17:1-5, and it’s a doozy! Jesus wants to glorify the Father by giving eternal life to all the people the Father has given him. This shows us Jesus and the Father were, in fact, in on the specifics of the plan this whole time. Put simply, Jesus wants us to have eternal life and is willing to do what it takes to make it happen. He foreknew you, me, and our spiritual siblings and bought us all eternal life!

What Jesus accomplished on the cross defeated evil, giving us a way to actually measure God’s infinite love for us. Case in point, the Apostle Paul was forgiven much for his evil acts as Saul. God chose to forcefully offer salvation to him and forgive his atrocious sins. Paul, therefore, is uniquely aware of the mountain of evils that have been removed from his account, paid for by better blood than his. Paul subsequently suffered much following Christ, but he had been forgiven much more.

Ultimately, when forgiveness is genuinely received, it produces true humility, and then joy abounds. Life gets really interesting then! Knowing God has forgiven our past sins, we are afforded so much confidence that he will forgive our future failures. We can rest in that comfort no matter what life has in store.

Jonathan Duncan
EFCC Member

by Jonathan Duncan

Ten Words That Changed My Life

It’s hard to believe that it’s been well over 50 years (7/30/67) since Joni (Eareckson Tada) broke her neck by misjudging the depth of the waters of the Chesapeake Bay and diving in.

This past week, I watched an interview during which she explained how she’s struggled with quadriplegia and life in a wheelchair for close to six decades. Few of us have any idea how difficult it’s been.

How has she coped?

With the help of the 10 words shared by her friend, Steve Estes, as she struggled to understand God’s role in her accident and plan for her life:
“God permits what He hates to accomplish what He loves.”

Those simple words are loaded with meaning and mystery, especially for anyone who has wondered about a loving God’s role in personal suffering known as “theodicy.”

How does the Bible explain it?

Well, Lamentations 3:32-33 gives us some insight: “... if He causes grief, then He will have compassion according to His abundant lovingkindness. For He does not afflict willingly or grieve the sons of men.”

God’s sovereignty requires His being a part in every calamity (Isa. 45:7; Amos 3:6), but we’re assured it gives Him no pleasure in doing so (Ezek. 33:11). He "gets no kicks" out of His decision to afflict or cause grief for anyone. Job’s story illustrates that fundamental truth this way, “The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away. Blessed be the name of the LORD” (Job 1:21).

A good and loving God “permits what He hates.” Why? “To accomplish what He loves.”

Maybe the best way to think about this deep mystery is Jesus and His agony on the cross. Abba allowed the horrific suffering of “His only begotten Son” so that He could demonstrate His sacrificial love and by it, redeem sinful humanity. It’s why the OT Patriarch Joseph could say after his painful and heart-wrenching journey, “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result;” (Gen 50:20).

That's Joni's testimony. For close to 60 years, she's used that horrible injury as a platform and pathway for sharing with others the good news and hope of the gospel. It hasn’t for one moment ended her chronic pain, but it has helped her hold fast to the grace of God in all of her earthly afflictions (2 Cor. 1:3-4) and long for “the hope of glory” (Col. 1:27) in heaven.

Can you testify to the truth of those 10 words?

Most of us can in some way as we all face unexplained challenges… maybe some will come this week. Whatever happens, if we can trust Him through the pain and confusion, hanging on sometimes by the smallest of faith, He promises that one day, either in this life or the next, He “will exponentially atone for every tear” (Psalm 56:8) and “abundantly reward us for every hurt” (J.E.T.).

So, as we start this Monday Mourning, let's hang on and believe that our good and gracious Abba is at work, even when there is confusion in our minds, tears in our eyes, and pain in our bodies. Jesus assures us, "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33, NIV).

Know that I love you all,

Rev. Dennis Keating

P.S.: If you would like to subscribe to Pastor Dennis’ once-a-week reflections, sign up at gratefulshepherdministries.org.

Editor: This was a re-posting of a very applicable entry from Pastor Dennis Keating’s “Monday Mourning” devotional from February 12, 2024.

by Dennis Keating

The Joy of Anticipation

When we were children, we always loved Saturdays. Good things always happen on Saturdays. So we’d slog through the school week to make the most of our glorious weekends. As childhood faded, we learned the weekend wasn’t that great and we found other things to propel us through hard work, like success. Unfortunately, secular life teaches us not to anticipate because nothing is fantastic enough to properly inspire us to endure hardships. So we spend much of our time seeking out the path of least resistance which in turn requires the slightest inspiration, anticipation, or hope.

As Christians, we believe that Jesus has overcome the world and that he reigns supreme from heaven. We believe quite a few things about our lives in his kingdom now and things about our eternal future. Yet life can seem to march on steady and solemn, irrespective of our faith. In the long days of our earthly struggles, it can seem like our faith resembles whimsical imaginary fiction.

I’m disabled right now, but my new heavenly body will be perfect. So when I trip over nothing, which happens sometimes actually, I focus on how awesome it will be to fly in my new body. I want to build genuine anticipation. Tripping over nothing can become a reminder of amazing things to come. If we practice this, we solidify and fortify our joy for life to come in eternity with Jesus. The Lord knows us and walks with us in unique ways. He’ll show you how to take your struggles and turn them into joy-empowering anticipation!

Jonathan Duncan
EFCC Member

by Jonathan Duncan

Take Heart

At the end of John Chapter 16 (verse 33), Jesus told his disciples “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” Jesus revealed to the disciples there was a lot they would yet have to endure once he left them and returned to his Father. Their future was far from easy. Many trials and tribulations were in store. They would be scattered by persecution, some would be cast into prison, and most of the apostles would eventually be martyred. Yet, in the face of all of this, Jesus assures them (and us as well) “... that in me you may have peace.”

Believers through the centuries have faced all types of trials and tribulations, yet in fulfillment of Jesus’ words in John 16:33, countless numbers of brothers and sisters in Christ experienced peace in the eye of the storm. When the world and the flesh scream, “Fight or flee!”, God’s children can entrust themselves into His arms and remain in perfect peace. From a human perspective, this is counter-intuitive. It speaks clearly of God’s supernatural presence within a believer. Our ability to find such peace in the face of dire circumstances speaks of a spiritual reality the world cannot understand — the presence of Christ in you!

Even as Jesus anticipated his coming suffering and lonely death upon the Cross, he assured his disciples, “Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me” (John 16:32). And, Christ’s promise to you as a believer is he will never leave you nor forget you in your time of need. You can take heart in the face of any worldly trial because, first of all, Jesus has overcome the world, and secondly, God will not allow any given trial in your life unless he knows you can endure it. As the Father is present in the Son, his Holy Spirit is present in you. His Spirit searches your heart and knows exactly what spiritual gifts and capacities he has given you. He knows what trials you can and cannot endure. Whatever God allows, he will enable you to both survive the trial and grow in your walk of faith as his beloved child.

Remember when trials enter your life that Christ is with you, Christ is in you, and Christ will provide all that you need to endure. In doing so, your life will bring him glory.

Pastor Dave Korinek

by Dave Korinek

The Basis of Joy

In the second half of John 16:20, Jesus gives his disciples a warning along with some strange-sounding words of hope. He says, “You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy.”

The warning is that sorrow is coming. The hope is that this same sorrow will somehow turn into joy. Hmm. I’m not sure that the disciples would have known what to do with a promise like this, especially regarding Jesus’ talk of his impending death. How in the world could the sorrow of death be turned into joy? This is a question that would have boggled their minds in a way that we don’t understand.

You see, we are not shocked by this promise because we live in a society in which the idea of an afterlife is taken for granted. Pew Research tells us that 73% of Americans believe in Heaven and another 7% believe that there is some other form of afterlife. That means that 80% of Americans believe that there is some sort of hope after the sorrow of death (and those are numbers from 2021). We see it all the time. When a celebrity dies (regardless of their convictions about religion or even morality), people just assume that “they are in a better place.” Of course, this notion may be comforting for people to hear, but it is often an unfounded hope that is based on the culturally accepted assumption of an afterlife. However, Jesus’ disciples did not grow up in such a society.

In fact, if you read the Old Testament alone (the Bible of Jesus and his disciples), it is quite hard to find firm assurance of an afterlife at all. There are a few passages that we can point to, but the OT evidence about heaven is not overwhelming. The real hope of heaven is something that was introduced by Jesus. The Jews of the day had debates about whether or not there would be a resurrection one day, but this was a distant, almost foggy hope for them. This means that Jesus’ disciples would have no basis for understanding how the sorrow of death could in any way lead to joy. For them, death was the end, and whatever hope they had beyond that was vague at best. This is why Jesus’ statement here is so profound: “Your sorrow will turn into joy.”

What they didn’t know at the time was that in a few days, Jesus would give them a real reason for joy. He would remove all fogginess about what happens after death and give them a real reason to hope for joy, by conquering death and rising to life. This was new! It was unheard of! And it was the basis for all our joy moving forward. Now, we too can even find joy amid the worst sorrow, because we know that Jesus has overcome!

Josh Rose
Discipleship Pastor

by Josh Rose

I Don’t Get It …

A classic movie premiered in 1988 that would advance Tom Hanks’ career, earning him his first Oscar nomination. The movie was Big.

It’s the story of 12-year-old Josh struggling through pre-adolescence. He makes a wish at a magic carnival game one night and the next morning wakes up to discover he’s still 12, but in the body of a 35-year-old man.

Eventually, Josh gains employment at a toy corporation and is included in a corporate board meeting to review and discuss a line of new toys. As 12-year-old Josh enthusiastically explores the new toys, he’s unimpressed and confused that the toys just aren’t fun. He tentatively raises his hand and when called on, replies sincerely, “I don’t get it.” The executives impatiently explain and continue the meeting but Josh raises his hand again with the same puzzled expression, “I still don’t get it.”

I almost see the same perplexed look on the 11 apostles' faces in John 16. Jesus has mere minutes left with his closest friends, companions he’s spent every day and night with for the past three years. His words to them in verses 16-33 would be his very last in that unforgettable upper room. He stooped low to wash their feet there, demonstrating a new level of love. He named a trusted friend his betrayer-to-be. He reprimanded Peter, “the rock” as he’d called him. He encouraged, comforted, promised, instructed, warned, prepared, and equipped his followers with critical truths and wisdom for all that would lie ahead.

The apostles listened to and loved their Rabbi, but did they get it? Did they understand?

Listen to their replies …
“Lord, we don’t know where you’re going …”
“We don’t know the way …”
“Will you show us the Father?”
“Why are you doing it that way?”
“What does he mean?”
“We don’t understand what he is saying …”

Can you relate?

Ever feel like raising your hand and saying, “Um … I don’t get it.” “Why is this happening?” “It shouldn’t be this way.” “I, I still don’t get it.”

Confusion on this side of eternity is normal. Like the earliest Jesus followers, we’re simply not going to always understand. God has been at work since day one of creation and yet sometimes life doesn’t seem to make sense. This is where faith comes in. When life throws you a wicked curve ball, faith says, “I’ll still follow.” When God’s not acting as you want him to, faith says, “I will obey.” When it seems like the bad guys keep winning, faith says, “I trust you’re in control, God.” When you want to raise your hand and say, “I don’t get it!”, faith whispers, “Take heart, he’s overcome the world.”

Donielle Winter
EFCC Member

by Donielle Winter

It Hurts!

“When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her hour has come, but when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world.” (John 16:21, ESV)

I have to admit, verse 21 arouses some rebellion in my soul. While eventually my pain turned to joy after 18 hours of mostly back labor with my third son, I can still remember the pain. He, along with his two brothers, was born in a military hospital, and I was given nothing for the pain though I would have gladly taken it. I’m not sure I would even equate that physical pain with the emotional or spiritual sorrow I’ve had at other times in my life. That was because I knew it would eventually end and the anticipation of seeing the baby I had carried for nine months kept me going. I do remember my sweet husband at my side watching the contractions ebb and flow on the machine with tears in his eyes saying, “I just don’t know how you do it.” Me either, I would have said, but I was trying to breathe. It was comforting to have him with me in suffering though.

When we go through difficult times, nothing means more than having someone come alongside who understands. For believers, that someone is Jesus, our Savior and Lord!

Because Jesus understands:
Disappointment: Luke 13:34
Rejection: John 6:66
Sorrow: Matthew 26:38
Ridicule: Mark 15:19
Loneliness: Matthew 27:46
Weariness: John 4:6
Temptation: Mark 1:13
Poverty: Matthew 8:20
Frustration: John 2:15-16

No matter what we’re going through, we have a Savior and heavenly Father well acquainted with all our ways (Psalm 139:3). He wants to wrap his arms around us and whisper comfort in our pain. Even more, he wants to give us his peace and strength to endure whatever comes our way. Psalm 46:1 reminds us, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”

He can and will turn our sorrow into joy, but first, he will walk with us through the dark valleys of life and give us physical, spiritual and emotional rest when we let go of our burdens and trust his deep love and care for us.

As soon as I saw my beautiful son’s face, the pain of childbirth faded in comparison to the joy I felt as I held him close. Sometimes the most joyous moments come despite pain or sorrow. God promises that, “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning” (Psalm 30:5).

Is your heart full of joy or sorrow today? Will you cast all your cares on him today and let him restore your joy?

Deb Hill
Exec. Admin. Assistant

by Deb Hill