Trust: The Son of God
This is the sixth post in a weekly series of mini-devotionals on TRUST, which is the theme of the 2015 June 2 Worldwide Prodigal Prayer Day. This letter goes to the members of the Prayer for Prodigals community, but it is true for all of us.
Dear Lover of Prodigals,
So we have come to the real reason we can trust God throughout our wilderness journey with our loved ones: Jesus.
The Father loved his Son
Last week we looked at God’s love for us. And we know from the gospels that the Father deeply loved His Son:
“A voice from heaven said, ‘This is my Son whom I dearly love; I find happiness in him.’”(Matthew 3:17)
That assured love of the Father for the Son of God instilled complete trust in Jesus, who reminds us:
“The Father loves the Son and gives everything into his hands.”(John 3:35)
Jesus trusted his Father
Jesus was so certain of His Father’s love that He trusted Him completely—to live and work and speak through him…
“Don’t you believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words I have spoken to you I don’t speak on my own. The Father who dwells in me does his works.”(John 14:10)
…trusting Him even in the most terrible circumstances:Jesus fell on his face and prayed, “My Father, if it’s possible, take this cup of suffering away from me. However—not what I want but what you want.” (Matthew 26:39)
The “I Am’s“ of Jesus
Jesus has modeled for us the possibility of trusting God because we have become convinced of His great love for us. He also offers much more of Himself to us in the “I Am’s” that He claims throughout the Gospels. Just as the Father is “I Am” and the many other names describing who He is, so Jesus tells us He has many such names as well. Here are a few:
Each of us yearns for what will satisfy us—relationships, meaningful work, freedom from fear and pain, beauty, peace… Jesus offers us all that and more:
“I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”(John 6:35)
The path ahead is usually uncertain and can be extremely rocky, even dangerous, especially when you love a prodigal. Jesus tells us He will light the way:
“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”(John 8:12)
Yet sometimes we stumble. Others do us harm—physically, emotionally, in every possible way. Our prodigals leave the light, choosing the darkness. Jesus tells us He is watching, He knows our trouble, He will come after us—and our prodigals:
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”(John 10:11)
Too frequently we forget where our strength and sustenance come from—we try to navigate our life journey on our own. Jesus reminds us of the only way to make it through:
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”(John 15:5)
How weary we grow if we try it on our own. And how exhausting it is to keep loving a prodigal who is making destructive choices. Jesus is there for us once again, with this wonderful invitation:
“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”(Matthew 11:29)
Then we discover what a friend, companion, presence He will be for us every step of the journey:“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”(Matthew 28:20)
Once again, the question is: Can I trust Him? Oh yes, surely I can.Will I trust Him? With my prodigal, for my prodigal? With my own life?
Will I let Jesus be all that He is for me and mine?
Trusting in Him,
Judy
What about you? Does grasping who Jesus is help you trust?
C2015 Judy Douglass
If you would be interested in requesting prayer for a prodigal loved one, or being a part of our wonderful praying community, respond in comments or write to me at PrayerforProdigals at gmaildotcom.