Being a Faith Warrior

Reflections on John 14:15-31

“I have told you this while I am still with you. The Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and make you remember all that I have told you.” John 14:25&26

Jesus was meeting with his disciples for the final time. Judas would soon leave the gathering to betray Jesus into the hands of the authorities. He just shared with them he would soon be taken from them, but as he goes they needed to be assured of his and God’s love for them. They were all upset, they had made close relationships over the past three years. The disciples had learned lots in their travels with Jesus. They witnessed healings and feedings. Many people with questionable backgrounds came to Jesus and were not turned away. Each time he was approached this showed people God’s love, and the authorities are aroused to anger once again. They had not learned what Jesus did to be God’s desire, so they planned a way to get Jesus from their midst. The Upper Room was filled with confusion, but Jesus assured them that all was well.

The disciples were well-intended people, not highly educated; except one, Judas. The concern the disciples had was that Jesus wanted them to put their faith on the line, so others could hear of God’s love. They understood the treatment Jesus received from others, they would get as well. If it was praise for Jesus, they received it too. If it was criticism, so would they. If Jesus was asked to leave a town or region, the disciples followed. If Jesus was killed, guess who was next for a torturous death? By all rights they were concerned about what could happen to them, but with the presence of the Holy Spirit in their lives; it would be just as if Jesus was still present with them.

The Spirit would teach them what to say in tough situations. They would remember Jesus’ love, as they loved the people who came to them. When they experienced tough times perhaps being beaten or killed for their faith, Jesus was right there bearing the burden with them. So when they received the power from on high, by the promised Holy Spirit, the disciples became unstoppable faith warriors for the Lord.

The scriptures state that any person who accepts Jesus’ love, does what he commands, and believes that he is God’s son, the Messiah, is his disciple. All people who do these things and stay loyal to Jesus’ word are his modern-day faith warriors. Are you sharing your faith with everyone who asks? Don’t be afraid, Jesus is with you. Do you remember the teachings of Jesus that bring a person to faith? Don’t be concerned, the Holy Spirit will guide you. Do people yell at you and tell you to keep your faith to yourself? Remember Jesus said this would happen and he bears the burden with you. Being a faith warrior means to do spiritual battle with the evil one, the Father of Lies, but remember Jesus defeated him long ago. During this Lenten season keep reflecting daily on the work Jesus has for you as you continue to be his disciple; his faith warrior.

Dear Lord, I thought all I needed to do to be your disciple was to say I am. But I realize you are calling me into a deeper commitment with you, to put my faith where my heart is. Continue to remind me that whatever I do in your name, you are always with me. Amen.