”And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with Me that you also may be where I am.” John 14:3

You Came Back

I work from home three mornings out of the week. Recently, as I was getting ready to go into work for the afternoon, I noticed my daughter had left her gym bag in the car. I thought about just leaving it there, “natural consequences” and all, but somehow I just couldn’t.

I drove to the school, checked into the office and asked if it was okay if I went down to the playground to give the bag to her. I could see her hanging out with friends, laughing and just being a kid. I called out to her, and when she saw me her whole face lit up. She ran toward me, threw her arms around my neck in a big hug and with such relief and joy in her eyes, said, “You came back! You’re my ‘savior’, thank you so much!” I found out later they played soccer in PE and she would’ve had to play in her dress. Needless to say on a number of levels I’m glad I took her the gym clothes.

As I drove off with a smile on my face and the memory of a 13-year-old’s openness and gratitude unashamedly displayed in front of her friends, I thought of the above Scripture. Jesus has told the disciples He will be with them only a little longer (John 13:33), He commands them to love each other as He has loved them (John 13:34), and He tells them not to let their hearts be troubled, but to trust in God and in Him (John 14:1).

Jesus has promised that He will come back for us. We will one day soon in relief and joy be able to throw our arms around His neck and say, “You came back! You’re my Savior, thank You so much!”

“Lord, thank You for Your promises; help us to actively love others as You love us, and as we trust in You and the Father, let our hearts not be troubled, but be full of peace and joy as we expectantly await Your return. Amen.”