REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor Yohan Lee, a friend of AMI, who in the past has served as a staff at several AMI churches, is an updated version of his blog first posted on April 17, 2014. He is a graduate of University of Pennsylvania (BA) and Cairn University (MA).
Devotional Thought for This Morning
“What Would You Do If You Knew That This Would be Your Last Day on Earth?”
John 14:18-21
“I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.19 Yet a little while and the world will see me no more, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live.20 In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. 21 Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.”
Oftentimes, when reading the accounts of the Last Supper, I ask myself what I would do if I knew that this would be my last night on earth. I used to think that I’d do something really adventurous, like skydive, base jump, or climb a mountain, but as I thought about it more, I would probably spend my last night at home with my family.
Surprisingly, I can even imagine this being the most selfless night of my life, catering to whatever my wife and kids would want to do. My kids being so young, such a night would probably entail endless chasing and wrestling, watching a continual loop of Frozen, Ice Age, and Dora, and continually getting them every snack and drink they wanted. Even their silly questions would get my full attention and elicit genuine thought on my part. I’d like to believe that I’d find the patience to do all the things that normally drive me crazy with my children.
One of the reasons we see so much tenderness in the Last Supper narratives is that these disciples were “children” to Christ, and the Lord knew this would be his last night with them. On this night, even when the disciples’ constant bickering on who would be the greatest could’ve wore thin, Jesus tenderly set the example of service by washing their feet. When Philip, who, like the rest, could not grasp Jesus’ message and asked to see the Father, Jesus patiently told him that they have all seen the Father through the Son (John 14:8-14). Even Peter’s bravado and self-surety was met by a matter-of-fact warning from Christ that he would indeed deny him three times (John 13:38).
So, this morning, take a few minutes to read through the Last Supper narratives (John 13-17). Try to get a glimpse of the Lord’s heart as he comforts his disciples, reminds them again of who he is, and tells them who and what to expect in the coming days. Maybe this will be the first time in a long time, but admire him for his tenderness; thank him for his selflessness; and love him for his sacrifice.
Prayer: Jesus, as we remember you on the eve of your sacrifice, please help us to fall in love with you over again. We confess that after many years, our hearts have become numbed to the cross; forgive us and renew us. Thank you once again because you loved us first. Amen.
Bible Reading for Today: Acts 12
Lunch Break Study
John 17:20-26: “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, 21 that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, 23 I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me. 24 Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world. 25 O righteous Father, even though the world does not know you, I know you, and these know that you have sent me. 26 I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.”
Questions to Consider
- For whom is the Lord praying? What is his prayer request?
- Why is unity so important?
- How important is unity in your life?
Notes
- The Lord was praying for all who would believe in his message; this includes us. His prayer request is for unity among the believers; a unity that reflects the unity that Christ and the Father share. He also prays that the love of the Trinity would be in us (17:26).
- Unity reflects the love between the Father and the Son and serves as a witness to the unbelieving world (17:21).
- Personal response
Evening Reflection
Were you able to take time today to reflect on Christ? How has your desire for Christ been lately? Do you feel like you are growing in your love, or is your Christian walk more like a chore? Pray earnestly that the Lord would rekindle your passion for him and thankfulness to our Savior this weekend.