I wonder what Jesus' apostles were thinking and feeling the night before He was crucified.
We find most of Jesus' final words to His friends in chapters 14-16 of John's Gospel. And, over the course of those verses, Jesus says quite a bit. He offers the disciples words of comfort and a reminder that He is "the way, the truth, and the life"--the only way a person can come to God the Father (14:6). Jesus reminds the disciples that "apart from [Him] they can do nothing" (15:5), so they best "remain in Him" by obeying His command to love others as He has loved them (15:9-13). We even find Jesus praying for all of His followers--first century followers and future disciples--in chapter 17.
But consider this interesting verse from chapter 16: "It is for your good that I am going away" (v.7).
In the first-century apostles' shoes, how would that phrase have hit you? After growing to know and love Jesus--while living life constantly beside him--for 3 years, my response may have been something along the lines of this: "What?! You're leaving us and it's a good thing? How on earth is that possible?"
Jesus then explains: "Unless I go away, the Counselor [The Holy Spirit] will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you" (16:7b, NIV). He then explains some of the roles of the Holy Spirit in a Christian's life (which are very cool!). Prior to that statement, Jesus had already assured the apostles that those who have faith in Him "will do even greater things than [what Jesus had been doing]" (14:12)--obviously, by way of the Holy Spirit's power and activity in their lives.
So God reminds us that--with Him--the end of one thing is actually the beginning of something even better. And unless that "one thing" ends--even if it was a wonderful time in life--better things can't begin.
That's what Amy and I are finding as we prepare to move on from First Southern Baptist Church to intern at a church plant in Pleasanton. God has made it abundantly clear in recent months that His call on our lives is to be church planters in California. And we know that God has "new" things for FSBCR. So it's with that faith-filled anticipation that we look ahead. Yes, we're thankful for the relationships we've built and the things God has used us to do here in Roseville. But we're even more excited to see what's "next."
I hope you are too.
Matt Abbott