Who will be there for you?

It has often been said that April showers bring May flowers. The month of April, traditionally a rainy period, gives way to May, when flowers will bloom because of the water provided to them by the April rains.  When we are sheltered indoors, and long for the sunshine of Spring,  these showers may cause us to frown and pout.  But as I look out the window today at the rain falling down, I am reminded that despite the gloom of the  past several months,  there is rejoicing and Light up ahead.   

Tomorrow many will head off to church services and be reminded of the journey of Christ on a donkey, into the city of Jerusalem (Palm Sunday).  As we begin this Holy Week ahead of remembering and focusing in our hearts what took place (for us), may we stop and find a place of quiet and solace to draw close to Christ.  This time marks a most important and significant time in history...it all begins with a ride on a donkey as Jesus begins His journey towards the cross. 

Who was there for Christ? 

The one person who stands out to me at this moment is the apostle John.   For as Jesus moves closer to the cross, everyone in fear has fled His side.   If we were there during His time of agony, would we too have fled?  
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John is often referred to as "the one whom Jesus loved."   The Gospel of John is the only Gospel which mentions “the disciple whom Jesus loved.”  John 13:23 tells us, "One of them, the disciple whom Jesus loved, was reclining next to Him." John 19:26 declares, "When Jesus saw His mother there, and the disciple whom He loved standing nearby, He said to His mother, 'Dear woman, here is your son.'" John 21:7 says, “Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, ‘It is the Lord!’” This disciple is never specifically identified, but the identity of the disciple whom Jesus loved is clear. The disciple whom Jesus loved is John, the son of Zebedee and brother of James.

​A friend to the end...

To John, Jesus was his closest friend, one he was comfortable leaning on at supper. 
From the writing of John, we come to see that Jesus was not just a miracle worker.  Messiah?  Yes He was.  Son of God?  Yes He was. A loyal friend? Yes He was. 

And what would you do for a friend?    You stick by him through it all. 
This is just what John did for his friend Jesus!  John is the only one of the twelve apostles who walked along with the women all the way to the cross.   John was the one who is doing his best to comfort Mary and the others, helping them along the road.  John is the only one standing there looking up at Christ in His last moments.  John is there to  hear the moaning and to see the face that has been beaten and is bleeding.  John is the only one who has a chance to say with his tear filled eyes, "Good-bye."  As of this moment, John does not understand what is happening.   All he knows is that this precious Friend is being taken from him. ​

As the darkness falls and the thunder sounds, John is still there. ​

Clearly John is an example for all of us as brothers and sisters in Christ. 
This lesson we should be witnessing is one of a steadfast relationship with Jesus, the Christ.  Our relationship with Christ need not be complicated, it is one of pure love.  It is one of selflessness.    It is one of loyalty and uncompromising truth.   

​Jesus entrusted John with the care of His mother, He gave John the vision of the transfiguration, He allowed John to witness His most amazing miracles, and later He gave John the Book of Revelation to write.   Yes John was especially blessed by His Friend! 

I wonder...how many of us would be there for someone as a friend in Christ? 

How many of us today NEED a friend like John to come along side of us and walk with us on our dark journey? 
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Firstly, it is important to know that your best Friend IS Jesus. ​ Whether you are alone, depressed or suffering a physical ailment, He is there to see you through.  Lean on Him as John did.  There is no pit so deep that His hand is not deeper still.  

"If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." Rom. 10:9

 As His child, you are never alone, He is within you.  You walk strong by faith. 
​"I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me. Galatians 2:20 

Secondly, you have a  spiritual family!   
There ARE sisters in Christ ready and willing to come along side you at any needed moment.  You will know them by their willingness to be a light for Christ.   There have been times when I have prayed for God to place a sister in Christ on my path and He has heard my cry!   This is how this ministry began in 2004.    Find a local women's ministry and join with them in study and prayer for each other.  Oh, how vital this is! 

"And of some have compassion , making a difference."  Jude verse 22

Feel His presence as you close your eyes and breathe in new joy.   With open arms receive the peace that He will flow over you in your time of need.   Are you facing a challenge right now?  Well, my friend I want you to know that there is an invitation waiting just for you.  You can come to Him who knows all about your situation and your feelings deep within.  

"Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need."  Hebrews 4:16

Consider the price that He paid so that you and I can live a full life! 
When we truly understand the cost of our salvation, we learn to endure, draw on His strength and be truly thankful.  

God bought you with a high price.  1 Corinthians 6:20 

Today dear friend...
Take your Bible and read 1 Peter 1: 17-21
Learn about the cost and how through Christ you have come to trust in God. 

This week my friend... 
As you dwell on His journey to the cross, think on John and how he never left His side. 
Then look around you and see if there is someone you can come along side of . 

Yes there is a Friend who will never leave us. 
We all need a friend that will be there for us. 
​We all need to be that friend to someone else.