Day 16

Honor

READ

John 14 (NIV)

REFLECT

The good news — no, the great news — about Jesus is that in Him we have a hope that triumphs fear! Jesus restores a hope that offers freedom from our past, the possibility to live out a full life today without fear, and to eventually enjoy a life with Jesus for all eternity. Capturing that hope, General John Gowans penned these lyrics: “He came to give us life and life in all its fullness. He came to set his people free.” Freedom from the past to enjoy the present with the certainty about the future. Now that’s hope! That’s my hope!

But wait! But we must recognize that’s not the experience for everyone. Many have troubled hearts. Many are afraid. Victims and survivors of human trafficking often experience fear, oppression, and a desire for freedom that may seem too far away to imagine. Hope may not close enough for them to see, let alone grasp. They need help. They need a messenger. They need to be able to see a future free of exploitation.

The message of Jesus in John 14 is that hope conquers fear and that there is hope beyond. Beyond what? In John 16, Jesus admits life may be difficult and troubles and challenges will be normal. But Jesus states he has overcome the world meaning that a troubled heart and fear do not define us as a people. Jesus gives hope beyond our past. We all have a past. Life with Jesus moves us passed our past to embrace and enjoy the full “fearless” life he came to give. We all have a present. We can only live in the moment. Jesus gives hope in the present to endure and overcome fear. He has conquered pain, sorrow, and regret. We all have a future. He gives hope into a heavenly future, one without oppression and fear. John 14 describes this future hope as Jesus preparing a place for us but first, through the comfort and strength of the Holy Spirit, He gives us the ability to live in the present.

Be a living example of hope without fear and live to reveal for others a hope that goes beyond our past and present.

RESPOND

Followers of Jesus are called to be ambassadors — “God with skin on” — bringing the message of a higher authority. That aptly describes the ministry of anti-human trafficking work as we bring the light of Jesus to dark places. Find someone living in darkness. Show them the hope that goes beyond. Be their help. Be their messenger. Show them the Rescuer. Be God with skin on.

RECEIVE

In the name of Jesus I ask for strength when I am weak, courage when I am afraid, trust when I have trouble, compassion for those in crisis, an army for those who are trafficked, and a heart for those you love. Amen.

Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. —John 14:27