Scattered “Friends”

John 16:32  But the time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when you will be scattered, each one going his own way, leaving me alone. Yet I am not alone because the Father is with me.

There is a great scene in “Jack Reacher” where Reacher is surrounded by five punks. He lets them know it is their last chance. One of the punks says, “Are you kidding? It’s five against one.”

Reacher calmly explains:

“It's three against one… Once I take out the leader, which is you, I'll have to contend with one or two enthusiastic wingmen. The last two guys, they always run.”

Sure enough, three guys went to the hospital, and the last two ran.

In today’s verse Jesus is explaining what is about to happen when he is crucified. He tells the disciples, “You guys are going to scatter and leave me alone.” Jesus adds that he won’t really be alone, the Father will be with him.

When troubles come our “friends” may scatter and leave us feeling alone and abandoned. But God is always with us.

Hebrews 13:5-6 says, “‘I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.’” So we can say with confidence, “The LORD is my helper, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?”

So if you find yourself facing hurts, pain, or trouble today, turn to the one friend who will never leave you. Turn to God for peace, grace and guidance. You are NOT alone!

Today’s Readings: Jeremiah 16,17; Psalm 96; John 16

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