Constant Care

Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. If you are looking for me, then let these men go.”  (John 18:8)

Even at the hour of His arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane—the hour when darkness reigned (Luke 22:53)—our Lord Jesus Christ never neglected to care for His beloved disciples. What was true for His disciples on the night He was betrayed is just as true for you today—right now, right where this finds you!

Jesus was standing at the threshold of His illegal trials, to be followed by beatings and the scourging, the crown of thorns pressed into His brow, His crucifixion with the nine-inch nails piercing His hands and His feet, and the ultimate, unimaginable horror of being forsaken by His Father, with whom He had enjoyed sweet fellowship for all eternity . . . and yet our Lord’s heart was still beating with love for His disciples. He spoke not a word in His own defense (as a sheep before the shearers who is silent), but He did speak a word of power on behalf of those who are His: “Let these men go.” He surrendered Himself willingly into the hands of those who had come to put Him to death, but He would not surrender even one of His disciples. They were held in His constant care . . . and so are you.

Jesus speaks this word of freedom to you—“Let these men go”—regarding every stronghold that has a grip on you. Perhaps you are dealing with depression and despair; hear these liberating words from your Lord today. Maybe you are facing some great challenges and obstacles in life; hear these liberating words from your Lord today!

And know this: one day, in the not-so-distant future, death will come knocking at your door . . . only to hear these same liberating words from Jesus. Death has lost its sting and the grave has surrendered its hold over every adopted child of God. All the saints of God will pass through death and the grave on the way into the glories of eternal life with the One who has paved the way for them.

Jesus cares about every aspect of your life. He cares about what you care about, so don’t try to go it alone! He cares about your finances. He cares about your family. He cares about your future. He cares about your fears. He cares about your faith. Talk to Him about it! Trust in Him to bring you through your trial better than you were going into it. The One who has the power over both life and death has given you all the power you need, not only to rise above life’s challenges, but to respond to them in a way that beings honor and glory to your God.

“Cast all your anxiety upon him because he cares for you,” Peter encourages us (1 Peter 5:7). Your Lord Jesus Christ has you in His constant care. Let that truth encourage you and empower you to do all God is calling you to do and to be all God is calling you to be.

This is the Gospel. This is grace for your race. NEVER FORGET THAT . . . AMEN!