For a little while you will not see me

​4-25-21
Today's devotion is based on John 16:16 where we hear Jesus speaking to his disciples the day before he was crucified, "A little while, and you will see me no longer, and again a little while, and you will see me."
First and foremost, he was speaking of his death and resurrection. They felt great sadness and fear during his time in the grave.  They knew great happiness and peace when he rose from the grave and appeared to them. 
Secondly, Jesus was speaking of his ascension to the Father and his coming back on Judgement day. It might seem strange, maybe even hard to believe, to hear his words, "A little while," for it has been 2000 years since Jesus physically left this earth, but the promise to return still holds.
It is a common and disastrous mistake to think that Jesus' return is a long way off, that we have plenty of time to get ourselves right with God. Time goes very slowly for us, who are bound to earthly time, especially when we suffer. The good thing is that his promise to return still holds true.  We don't see him physically now, but we will see him physically in the future.    
Please pray with me the prayer for today: Lord, you know how long time stretches when we are in distress. You know how long and lonely a sleepless night is for us. We thank you that you have given us the certainty of seeing you in eternity through our eyes of faith.  You remain the same and your years have no end.  In your holy name, I pray. Amen.