Jesus Heartened

What Did Jesus Do?

Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
John 14.27b

Many boys are troubled by feelings of homesickness their first summer at Scout camp. In truth, second and third-year campers, and even veterans of many summers, have to deal with varying degrees of homesickness. One of the saddest things a Scout leader ever witnesses is the sight of a boy, whose feelings have gotten the better of him, leaving for home thoroughly disheartened after only a day or two at camp. As a camp chaplain leaders will sometimes bring a boy to see me, hoping I might have something to say that will work some magic.

Actually, there are no magic words. The first thing I tell a Scout is that there is nothing wrong with what he is feeling; it is quite natural for us to miss home and family, especially the first time we are separated from them for more than a few hours. And I can honestly share with the Scouts that I had the very same feelings, and not just at camp, but going off to college, and many other times as an adult when I have had to leave my home and family for a time because of work or school (Or, as a camp staff member!). Dealing with the queasiness in the stomach, and the anxiousness of the heart, and the self-defeating talk going on in our mind is not easy. Being disheartened, losing hope, despairing that things will not turn out alright, fearing that we won’t see those we love again, is not at all restricted to boys going off to camp for the first time; it has troubled boys and girls, and men and women, for centuries, and our Father knows this, for his heart is also pained by our being separated from him. That’s one reason the Father sent the Son into the world, to hearten us.

When Jesus spoke to a multitude gathered on a Galilean hillside He instructed them to not be anxious about their lives, assuring them of their Heavenly Father’s care and love. (Matthew 6.25-34) Jesus heartened.

A desperate Jairus, fearful that his precious daughter was dying, sought the Lord’s help. Though word came as they were heading towards the home of Jairus that his daughter had died, Jesus rallied the father’s hope, “Be not afraid, only believe.” (Mark 5.36) Jesus heartened.

Knowing that He would soon be separated from His disciples, Jesus sought to calm their hearts with the promise that He was going to prepare a place for them to be with the Father for eternity, and that He would surely come back for them. (John 14.1-1-3) Jesus heartened.

With foreknowledge of the tribulation His followers would face in the world, Jesus declared His victory over all worldly powers, that they might take heart and be of good courage. (John 16.33) Jesus heartened.

To the dying thief on the cross beside Him, Jesus pledged that they would be together in paradise that very day. (Luke 23.39-43) Jesus heartened.

One of the biggest sources of anxiety for a homesick Scout is the fear that the separation from those he loves and needs the most will not be just for a few days, but forever, “What if Mom and Dad don’t come to pick me up on Saturday, and I never see them again?” I don’t care who you are, that is a scary thought; and we all have similarly scary thoughts at one time or another. Such thoughts elicit powerful feelings, feelings difficult to master. It is easy to lose heart, for courage to falter, at the prospect of being cut off from those who love you most.

In truth, there is no one who loves any of us more than the Father; he proved his love when he sent his Son to die for our sakes, that we might be forgiven our sins and receive eternal life. (John 3.16) I can’t think of anything more heartening than this assurance of the Father’s steadfast and unceasing love. Knowing and believing the Son, who is the very expression of the Father’s love, supplies courage, good cheer, and hope, not to deny our anxious fears and feelings, but to best them. That’s what Jesus did.

S.D.G.

Jim
www.jimwilkenministries.org
Marion, NC
PS 37.4