LEARNING DAILY

John 14:23, Jesus replied, "Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.”

In the previous verse Jesus was asked a question by the disciple Judas (not Judas Iscariat), “Lord, why are you going to reveal yourself only to us and not to the world at large?” (NLT). This question is part of a conversation taking part in the Upper Room where Jesus has told them one of them will deny Him. He has also said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” (verse 15). It is necessary to seek the connection between loving the lord and keeping His commandments.

I wonder if the word commandment is misunderstood. Was Jesus referring to the set of rules and laws like the Ten Commandments, all the rules the Jewish leaders had made, a set of moral instructions, or something else? Jesus was telling those who follow Him to follow all of His words and teachings because they were the words of God the Father. John 15:10, “If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.” 1 John 5:3, “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome.” See the relationship between loving God and walking the narrow way with Him as He says.

There is a deep connection that is formed through love and obedience; “My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.” This is a promise that Jesus will come and make His home with those who love Him and keep His Word. So, Believers read/study/meditate on His Word to know what to obey, how to walk with Him. His promise is His presence and guidance in their lives. I find that extremely comforting and incredible that the creator of all things desires that relationship with someone like me, with all my faults! He desires that relationship with you!

Take time to consider what that means. As a Believer, you have the presence of the Lord in your life, guiding and walking along side of you in every circumstance you face today. Know that Jesus is not far away allowing you to do life alone. No, He is not unapproachable; He desires that you allow Him to walk with you and be closely involved with everything you do. That happens through your love for Him and your obedience to what He demands. What an incredible privilege Believers have when Jesus “makes his home” in their hearts, providing strength, comfort, and direction as they walk the narrow way.

Loving God means following His Word, His direction. Each choice you make, each step you take is a reflection of that love. Oh, when you do mess up, He will be right there reaching down to take your hand, helping you stand – just like He did with Peter! I am in awe of Him every day!