The Hour Is Coming

Jesus answered them, Do you now believe? Indeed the hour is coming, yes, has now come, that you will be scattered, each to his own, and will leave Me alone. And yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. 

John 16:31-32 

Life is a challenge to faith. In the case of the disciples, the great challenge to their faith was the arrest, trial, torture, and execution of Christ before their eyes. He was aware this was coming. The discourse in the Upper Room was the final preparation for this extreme challenge to their faith. He tells them, ‘Indeed the hour is coming, yes, has now come, that you will be scattered, each to his own, and will leave Me alone. And yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me.’ As we read the gospel accounts of the events of Christ’s passion, we see just how scattered they became. They became like sheep, running away in blind panic, fearful and trembling. His arrest, with all that followed, challenged their faith to the very core. We experience things in life which challenge our faith. They may not be as stark, but they are serious challenge to the disciples’ faith. What has Christ done to prepare us for these challenges? He has given us His word. There are a host of applications of His word to us when circumstances challenge our faith. Whether we arrive at the promise He is working all things together for our good; that He will never leave us or forsake us; or that He will not leave us comfortless, all He has said is for the bolstering of our faith. He would have us believe in Him, even ‘when all around our soul gives way.’ Jesus never fails.  

Our Glorious, Living Christ, 
we rejoice that You are the same yesterday, today and forever. 
We praise You that You are our hope, 
regardless of our circumstances. 

Tomm Tice
Where the Bush is Burning