Jesus answered him, “Where I am going,
you cannot follow me now,
though you will follow later.”
(John 3:38)
The path of discipleship is not always easy or immediate and following Jesus may involve trials and challenges. We all have the capacity to fail and make mistakes. This is the reality of our human weakness and frailty of our human nature. But it’s not the end; God’s grace is bigger than our failures. He loves us even when we fail Him. Nothing surprises God, He knows our actions before we even make them. God is always in control.
21 Reclining at table with his disciples, Jesus was deeply troubled and testified, “Amen, amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” 22 The disciples looked at one another, at a loss as to whom he meant. 23 One of his disciples, the one whom Jesus loved, was reclining at Jesus’ side. 24 So Simon Peter nodded to him to find out whom he meant. 25 He leaned back against Jesus’ chest and said to him, “Master, who is it?” 26 Jesus answered, “It is the one to whom I hand the morsel after I have dipped it.” So he dipped the morsel and took it and handed it to Judas, son of Simon the Iscariot. 27 After Judas took the morsel, Satan entered him. So Jesus said to him, “What you are going to do, do quickly.” 28 Now none of those reclining at table realized why he said this to him. 29 Some thought that since Judas kept the moneybag Jesus had told him, “Buy what we need for the feast,” or to give something to the poor. 30 So Judas took the morsel and left at once. And it was night. 31 When he had left, Jesus said, “Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him. 32 If God is glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and he will glorify him at once. 33 My children, I will be with you only a little while longer. You will look for me, and as I told the Jews, ‘Where I go you cannot come,’ so now I say it to you.” 36 Simon Peter said to him, “Master, where are you going?” Jesus answered him, “Where I am going, you cannot follow me now, though you will follow later.” 37 Peter said to him, “Master, why can’t I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.” 38 Jesus answered, “Will you lay down your life for me? Amen, amen, I say to you, the cock will not crow before you deny me three times.” (John 13:21-33, 36-38)
The path of discipleship, a journey so steep, not always easy, the climb is quite steep. Trials and challenges, we meet on the way, yet, in Jesus' footsteps, we strive to stay. Human weakness, frailty so real, we stumble, we falter, yet we heal. Mistakes we make, in numbers untold, yet, in God's grace, we find our hold. It's not the end, when we fail, when we fall, God's grace is bigger, it covers all. His love, unwavering, when we're lost, when we sin, in His loving arms, we find our win. Nothing surprises God, He knows our heart, our actions, our thoughts, right from the start. In control, always, He guides our way, in His perfect plan, we sway. So, let us trust, let us believe, in His love, His grace, we receive. For God is our guide, our strength, our goal, in His hands, we find our soul.
Dear Lord Jesus, we acknowledge that the path of discipleship is not always easy or immediate. Following You may involve trials and challenges, yet we know that You are with us every step of the way. We recognize our human weakness and the frailty of our nature. We know that we have the capacity to fail and make mistakes. But we also know that it’s not the end; Your grace is bigger than our failures. You love us even when we fail You. We are comforted by the fact that nothing surprises You. You know our actions before we even make them. You are always in control. Help us to remember these truths in our daily lives. Strengthen our faith and guide us on our journey. May we always seek to do Your will and glorify Your name. In Your precious name, we pray, Amen.
God has a plan for each of us, even before we are born. He has prepared and preserved us for His purposes. In moments of discouragement, feeling as if we have labored in vain, we find comfort in knowing that our reward is with the Lord. Even when our efforts seem fruitless, we can find reassurance in God’s justice and faithfulness. Let us trust in God’s own perfect timing. His word has the power to transform our lives.
1 Hear me, O islands, listen, O distant peoples. The Lord called me from birth, from my mother’s womb he gave me my name. 2 He made of me a sharp-edged sword and concealed me in the shadow of his arm. He made me a polished arrow; in his quiver he hid me. 3 You are my servant, he said to me, Israel, through whom I show my glory. 4 Though I thought I had toiled in vain, and for nothing, uselessly, spent my strength, yet my reward is with the Lord, my recompense is with my God. 5 For now the Lord has spoken who formed me as his servant from the womb, that Jacob may be brought back to him and Israel gathered to him; and I am made glorious in the sight of the Lord, and my God is now my strength! 6 It is too little, he says, for you to be my servant, to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and restore the survivors of Israel; I will make you a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth. (Isaiah 49:1-6)
Before our birth, in the divine design, God has a plan, a purpose so divine. Preserved, prepared, for His grand purposes, in His great love, each of us He encloses. In moments of despair, when hope seems slain, feeling as if we've labored all in vain, comfort we find, in His eternal word, our reward is with the Lord, rest assured. When efforts seem fruitless, results unseen, in God's justice and faithfulness, we lean. Reassurance found, in His promise bright, His perfect timing is always right. His word, a beacon, in the darkest night, has the power to bring forth the light. transforming lives, with each verse, each line, in His perfect plan, we intertwine.
Dear Heavenly Father, we come before You today, acknowledging that You have a plan for each of us, even before we are born. You have prepared and preserved us for Your divine purposes. In moments of discouragement, when we feel as if we have labored in vain, we find comfort in knowing that our reward is with You, Lord. Even when our efforts seem fruitless, we find reassurance in Your justice and faithfulness. We trust in Your perfect timing, knowing that Your plans are always for our good. Your word has the power to transform our lives, to renew our minds, and to guide our steps. Help us to remember these truths in all circumstances. May we always seek Your will, trust in Your timing, and rest in Your promises. We ask all these things in Your holy name. Amen.
God is our refuge and fortress. Despite facing numerous challenges, difficulties, and even during times of adversity, we should remain steadfast in our faith. It is important to seek the Lord's guidance in all aspects of our lives, placing our trust in Him and recognizing that our strength and wisdom come from Him. Let us share the good news of God’s love and salvation with others and be thankful for His blessings and faithfulness in our lives. Worshiping the Lord helps us grow in our relationship with God.
1 In you, O Lord, I take refuge; let me never be put to shame. 2 In your justice rescue me, and deliver me; incline your ear to me, and save me. 3 Be my rock of refuge, a stronghold to give me safety, for you are my rock and my fortress. ⁴ O my God, rescue me from the hand of the wicked. ⁵ For you are my hope, O Lord; my trust, O God, from my youth. 6 On you I depend from birth; from my mother’s womb you are my strength. 15 My mouth shall declare your justice, day by day your salvation. 17 O God, you have taught me from my youth, and till the present I proclaim your wondrous deeds. (Psalm 71:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 15, 17)
In the fortress of our God, we take refuge, amidst life's storms and challenges, a deluge. In adversity's face, our faith we pledge, on the rock of His wisdom, we find our edge. Steadfast in faith, we stand, we dare, in the labyrinth of life, His guidance we ensnare. Our trust in Him, a beacon, a light, in His strength, we find our might. With joy, we share the good news wide, of His love and salvation, our hearts can't hide. Grateful for blessings, in every life's phase, for His faithfulness, we offer our praise. In worship, we find a bond so pure, a relationship with God, so secure. In reverence and awe, to Him, we bow, in His holy presence, here and now.
Dear Heavenly Father, You are our refuge and fortress, our ever-present help in times of need. Despite the numerous challenges and difficulties we face, and even during times of adversity, we remain steadfast in our faith. We seek Your guidance in all aspects of our lives, placing our trust in You, recognizing that our strength and wisdom come from You. You are the source of all good things, and we acknowledge our dependence on You. Help us to share the good news of Your love and salvation with others. Let our lives be a testament to Your grace and mercy. We are thankful for Your blessings and Your faithfulness in our lives. As we worship You, we ask that You continue to guide us, help us grow in our relationship with You, and mold us into the image of Your Son, Jesus Christ. In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen.
Pericope:
III: The Book of Glory
ANNOUNCEMENT OF JUDAS'S BETRAYAL
John 13:21-30
II: Expiation of Sin, Spiritual liberation of Israel
THE SERVANT OF THE LORD
Isaiah 49:1-7
Second Book of Psalms 42-72
PRAYER IN TIME OF OLD AGE
Psalm 71:1-24
