Why Can’t I Go?

John 13:31-14:14 (May 24)

All you could hear in the room was the sound of the heartbeat monitor, slow and ragged breath, and "Softly & Tenderly" in the background.

I stood there beside him, holding tight to the hand that had held mine so many times in my lifetime, and I listened and watched for that final breath.

The song played on, "All who are weary come home, come home." And just like that, in the most precious way, Jesus took him home. One last soft breath, and he was no more.

I stood there crying, wishing more than anything in that moment that I could go with him. "Take me with you, Dad" my heart cried. I couldn't imagine this earthly life without him. It would be so much better to just go with him. Then I wouldn't have to face a lifetime of tomorrows without him.

I am not much different than the disciples. Jesus told them that his time was at hand. It was time for all that he had spoken of to come to pass, so that his father could be glorified. He tells them that he will be going away and they can not go with him. He is everything to them, and they cannot imagine him leaving them. (Even though he had been telling them this moment would come,)

My dad went away that day and I could not go with him. He was so sick, and we knew the moment was coming, but when faced with it, it was so hard to endure.

Jesus tells them he has a new commandment, "Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples."

My dad only wanted the family he left behind to love each other. And he wanted us to continue to love him, after he was gone. To remember him with joy and laughter, and to let him live on in our memories.

The news that they cannot go with this man they had followed all this time was not what they wanted to hear. This was their teacher, their guide, their master. He had come to earth to be a father to them, and guide them in the ways of God. They can't imagine him leaving them. But Jesus comforts them by reminding them that they will come to him later. That where he is going will have plenty of room for all of them when it is their time.

"Don't let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father's home." He goes on to say, "When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am."

What comfort to know that one day I will be with my dad again. He is waiting for me. I will hold those hands again.

Once again, Jesus finds that he has to explain himself to the disciples. It seems that as much as they had followed him, and learned from him, and loved him, there was still some confusion about what he was trying to teach them.

"We have no idea where you are going, so how can we know the way?"

Jesus goes on to explain to them YET AGAIN, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me."

Philip, speaking on behalf of the group wants some visual proof of the Father to satisfy their curiosity. "Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied."

And there you have it... where is their FAITH? Why did they need the physical proof, instead of just believing what Jesus said? Hadn't they seen enough miracles and wonders from this man to believe anything he said to them?

Jesus asks them to recall all they had seen him do. He tells them that when they see him, they see the Father, because they are one and the same.

He tells them, "I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father."

Jesus is letting them know that his leaving will not mean the great works will come to an end. He is giving them the encouragement that they have the opportunity to do even greater things, if they put their faith in him.

What a beautiful promise! It is a promise that Jesus makes to all who believe in him... that we are mighty and powerful in the name of Jesus, and that with his strength, we can do anything.

And while, it wasn't fun to let me dad go and be left behind without him, I could do so in the assurance that God still has amazing things for me to do. He has given me the ability to achieve much for his glory.

That same power and ability is available to all who call on his name. Any one of us has the ability to do great and mighty works for him. Each of us possess the power to make a huge impact around us.

Maybe it is within the walls of your home. Maybe it will be in your workplace. Perhaps you are in some type of ministry, or you do work in your community. Or maybe you post encouragements on social media so that others can have hope.

No opportunity, no matter how big or small it seems, goes unnoticed by our Father.

Jesus continues by giving them a sweet nugget to hold on to, "You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it!"

What a promise he left them! What a promise he leaves for each of us. All we have to do is ASK!

Jesus was expecting these men to take all they knew, all he had taught them, and go out in the world to make a difference and glorify God. He is asking the same of us.

I sat there with him for quite a while, willing myself to leave, wishing I could have gone with him, but knowing he would want me to stay and be all that I was supposed to be. I was reminded of today's scripture that said I could ask anything in the name of Jesus, and he would do it. So I asked for strength, the strength to finally walk out that door, close it softly behind me, and walk away from the dad this life had blessed me with.

What do you need to ask of Jesus today? Do you believe in him with the assurance that he will hear your request? Or has life got your burdened down with troubles, and you are questioning the way the disciples did? Do you need the cold, hard proof because your faith is not where it should be?

Don't wait another minute. Call on him, and let his reassure you, just as he reassured those men so long ago. Let him fill you with the strength you need to face whatever trial you might be going through, and trust him to see you through it.