Monday, May 4, 2026

Scripture

“I will not leave you orphaned.” John 14:18

Reflections

Do you ever feel like you’ve been left on your own?

The disciples had spent years with Jesus, 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.  Their entire lives revolved around Jesus.  Then he was gone.  They must have felt an incredible sense of loneliness and abandonment.  Lost.  Incredibly sad, like a child without a parent.

But the disciples were not left alone.  Jesus sent an “Advocate”, his very Spirit to comfort, counsel, and come alongside them.  The Advocate would be revealed through those who love Jesus and follow in his ways.  Jesus was not physically present with them as he was before.  Still, he was powerfully present in another way, through his Spirit in his people.

If we want to experience Jesus Christ today, we do well to spend time with those who love Jesus and follow in his ways.  We are not orphaned.  We have a family.  We have people who will listen to us, laugh when we laugh, and cry when we cry.  They will speak the truth in love when we need to hear it.  They will give us insight as to what God would have us do.  That is the Spirit of Jesus Christ working through them, the embodiment of the love of Christ.

None of us are left on our own.  We have been given brothers and sisters in Christ who are the very presence of Christ for us.

Prayer

Lord God, thank you for my brothers and sisters in Christ.  Thank you for your Spirit that comforts, counsels, and guides me.  Give me ears to hear and eyes to see You in my life today.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Full Reading: John 14:15-21