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By Mike Caton

John 16:16, Jesus went on to say, “In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me.”In the rest of this chapter Jesus promises the disciples that better days are coming. This is something that we all need to remember. Jesus has been talking about leaving these men and about the Holy Spirit coming to them. But it seems they have been focusing on the leaving part, and who can blame them? They have been with Jesus for three years now, night and day. They have listened to him, followed him, depended on him for pretty much everything and he has directed every step they have taken. (Even though they have taken a few missteps along the way.) And now he is leaving them.

I remember my parents taking me to my friend’s house to play when I was a little kid. Oh, we had the best time, but eventually it was time to go home. I hated those minutes. Obviously, I didn’t want the fun to end, but I suppose I knew it had to. And when I was told we had to leave, I went and got in the car, but I was not happy about it. But it seemed to me my parents would drag their feet then, talking and laughing and just not being quite ready to leave. I always wondered why they didn’t just get in the car and go home. I guess I am still a little bit that way, when it is time to leave, it is time to leave, there is no need to drag it out, let’s just load up and go.

Maybe I realized, even at that young age, we’d see each other again. That there would be more good days and fun times. Jesus is promising the disciples, and us as well, many more good days. In fact, the good days he is promising are beyond our imagination. This is not to say that we simply have to endure this life, that we struggle now and one day we will be rewarded. Jesus came to bring us a better life here and eventually the riches of heaven. But be careful, that better life here will not look like the world expects. There is no promise of ease, of abundance, of prosperity here. But with the Holy Spirit in us, we can know peace, contentment, hope, love, joy, and so forth. And when we consider those things, what more could we ask for? But don’t kid yourself, the best is yet to come.

Father, thank you for brighter days. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Mike Caton is the preacher at Mount Olive Church of Christ in Belhaven. He volunteers at the Ponzer Fire Department and works part time with Hyde County EMS. If you would like to receive daily devotions in your inbox, email mikecaton@centurylink.net.

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