Never Alone
Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me. ~John 16:32
In the Christian life, we are faced with the reality that trials and hardships are part of our pathway. It is never a question of whether trials will come but rather when trials will come. In the days leading to His death on the cross, Jesus frequently used the phrase, “Behold the hour cometh....” Suffering, the cross, sorrows, and death were imminent. What was most startling to the disciples was the fact that He told them that they would be scattered. The prophetic statement “smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered” would come to fruition. Jesus told them, “ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone.” He would be abandoned and left alone.
There are the reasons for loneliness.
Loneliness occurs following the death of a loved one. There is hollowness in our hearts when someone we love has left this life. We feel like a part of us left with them. Loneliness occurs when friends forsake us. They could forsake us because of a difference of opinion. They could forsake us because of a rejection of our values. When we are forsaken, there is sadness that a friendship has lost its comfort. When we are left alone, there is a sense of being defenseless, rejected, and discouraged.
There is the readiness for loneliness.
Jesus knew the hour was coming. He knew that these boastful men would become cowards and forsake Him at His moment of crisis. Paul experienced intense loneliness. He expressed how Demas forsook him, having loved this present world. He was hurt that Alexander the coppersmith did him much evil. He said, “No man stood with me.” As hard as it sounds, we must prepare for loneliness. People who say they agree with you on matters of doctrine will leave you over petty differences. Family who say they love you will do something to rip your heart out. Jesus said, “In the world ye shall have tribulation.” This world rejects our Lord and the values of His Word. Be careful that you are not so immersed in this world that you are hurt when those around you depart.
There is the reminder in loneliness.
“And yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me.” What a consolation! What an encouragement! What a relief! Jesus had confidence in the reminder that the Father was always with Him. Hebrews 13:5 it says, “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” God will never forsake us! God is always at our side. Paul declared, "No man stood with me... Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me...." The Hebrew young men were not alone in the fiery furnace. Daniel was not alone in the lion’s den. Jeremiah was not alone in the prison mud. You are not alone in your hour of trial, difficulty, and trouble.
No, you are never alone! You have the assurance of a comforting presence that stays with you. If you are discouraged this morning because of loneliness, look to the Father up above Who is looking down in love and is right at your side.
Have a comforted God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Zechariah 8-14