Once at a speaking engagement in Florida, several people told me they read the Note of Encouragement each week. Later I wrote about this surprise and soon received two emails. One wanted to know why I had not announced I would be in her town. Another asked why I had not been to his.

I told the first that we did not know where she lived and sending a general notice seemed a bit much. To the second, I replied, “Well, you’ve never asked me to come.” Recently this got me to thinking.

Many today find themselves in hard times. Others face growing desperation and uncertainty. But the basic questions I was asked so long ago are the same we often lay at the feet of Jesus. Why didn’t You tell us? Where were You?

Why didn’t You tell us? Where were You?

As Jesus approached Jerusalem, He rode a colt down the Mount of Olives. Crowds shouted: Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest! ¹They knew the old prophecy…or they thought they did. ²

They believed Jesus came to solve all their problems, especially the one with Rome. But this King came to bring peace in another battle, the one between God and mankind. And this war was on a spiritual level they did not understand. Why didn’t You tell us?

They knew hardship. They were slaves to the whims of Roman captors, as they had been under the Assyrians and Babylonians. Even many of their own rulers had been harsh and evil. For centuries they had cried out and suffered. Where were You?

The Body of Christ is held together by all.

We have those same questions, and we also have the answers. Scripture reveals the truth of Jesus, His power and authority, the spiritual war around us, and His purpose in this world. It shows that even in our darkest hour, He is with us to protect, lead, guide, comfort and provide. And most important…

For those who love Him: I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Counselor to be with you forever—the Spirit of truth…I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. ³

For those who ask Him: Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in… ⁴

For those who seek Him: I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full…so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness…not to judge the world, but to save it. ⁵

Listen to the Word and know God. I will come! Here I am! I have come!

Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!

 

Chuck

 

Chuck Graham is Founder and Executive Director of Ciloa, an international ministry devoted to encouraging others and teaching them how to encourage one another. He is also an author and speaker. Chuck and his wife, Beverly, live in Lawrenceville, Georgia, USA. Learn more about Chuck and Ciloa at www.Ciloa.org.

 

Footnotes: (1) Read Luke 19:38, Matthew 21:9. (2) Read the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9-10. (3) Read John14:16-17a,18. (4) Read Revelation 3:20a. (5) Read John 10:10b;12:46b,47b.
 
Pictures: Banner:  (1): Hands of Desperation, canstockphoto.com. (2) Matthew 28:20, godsword.com.