By Mike Caton

John 14:20, “On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you.”

What is that day? When will it be? Jesus has been talking about the day he is no longer with his disciples, the day he is taken from the world. We can understand that he is referring to his death; his torture and crucifixion. As we said, the world and Satan will think they have won, but in reality, they have simply fulfilled the plan God had since the Garden of Eden. When Adam and Eve sinned, they needed a savior. And God already had a plan that he put into effect. Over the ages, everyone has followed our ancestors’ sinful path. Therefore, we all needed that savior.

It is ironic that on the day Jesus is taken from us, we realize just how close to us he really is. We all have people we want to be close to us in this life; our spouse, our parents, our children, special friends and so forth. But the reality is we are often separated from them. Maybe it is miles, as people move away. Maybe it is only temporary, as people go to work. But today we have technology that allows us to remain connected. It is possible to see and hear someone on the other side of the world with just a few clocks of a button. That is quite a difference from the days of the Pony Express! But Jesus tells us that the he is in the Father, we are in him and he is in us. There never needs to be any separation! And God has promised to never leave us, but sadly we often choose to leave him. But that doesn’t have to be.

It is up to us to decide just how close we want to be to God. Jesus has promised to live inside of us! But do we think about that? Do we strive for that? Do we open ourselves up to God like that? Are we really inviting God to come and live inside of us? Jesus wants to be a permanent resident in our hearts, not just a weekend visitor. We need to make sure that we are always open and welcoming to him.

Father, live in me. 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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