Comforts Of The Last

Today is a last. Today is not just the last day in the month; not just the last Lord’s Day Sabbath in the month; not just the last meditation for the week; and not just the last month, before the final month ends this closing year, but today is a last for a very special reason. It is a last which many welcome and look forward to.

On the first day of this week, when we were introduced to our week’s theme of ‘Lasts’, our day’s offering was concluded with this curiously, mind-searching question. Where is, ‘Last’ taking us? We have been taken to many ‘Lasts’, which have brought us to the last of all things, before we celebrate the first Lord’s Day Sunday in Advent. By faith, we believe that this week of Jesus’ Last Words and Actions, has been a special time of Blessings, which have uplifted us and will continue to inspire and uplift us to truly know an Advent Season like no other.

To take us over the threshold, into this most celebrated time, we conclude with the final, Last Words and actions of Jesus, taken from what we have already been offered. The final one upon which we will ponder, deals with Jesus’ Last Words of Comfort to His disciples. I quote what has already been given to us.

Jesus’ Last Words of Comfort – He lets them know that all will be well as they will be fully, adequately and well-equipped to be His witnesses anywhere and everywhere. You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Acts 1: 8

We must never let it escape our minds and hearts, that the people receiving these words of divine comfort from Jesus, are not just anybody and everybody, but exclusively His disciples. Even more specific, we must keep zeroed in on the fact that this was going to be the last time they would see their beloved Jesus in flesh. Jesus knew that the hour of His second departure was at hand, so He reminded them of a promise about which He told them. It was the promise of the baptism of the Holy Spirit. When they became quite concerned about Him restoring the kingdom of Israel, Jesus assured them that the business of their work to be continued for Him, had nothing to do with the kingdom of Israel. He said to them: It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. Acts 1: 7. Then He spreads out, like a soft, yet firm carpet, at their feet, these compellingly inviting, commandingly inspiring and convincingly instructing words of comfort. Remember, these last words of comfort are not for those who are grieving and mourning, but for those in the full anticipation and excitement of awe, waiting on what is about to happen, what has been promised.

May this be our state also, as we await, fully submitted and curiously so, to what lies ahead for us in Advent.   

 There are three distinct comforts before us.

Comfort One. We are stepping out in firm and sure confidence that we will receive the Holy Spirit’s Power.  What Divine comfort to know that we do not have to rely on our own power and strength, for we have in us the Power of the Holy Spirit.

Comfort Two. We are standing on solid and steady assurance that we will receive the Holy Spirit’s Presence.  Understand this! To be Jesus’ witness is to carry and show Jesus in one’s human form. This is only possible when one no longer lives to self, but only to Jesus. What Divine comfort to have this assurance that we can die to self and know that Jesus can live and have His Being in us, through the Presence of the Holy Spirit.  

Comfort Three. We are staying grounded and routed in the surety that we will be perfectly fitted to be our Master’s witnesses, wherever in the world we may be. This is so stabilizing, it’s not funny! If this does not bring the boldness of comfort, nothing else will. Because of the indwelling Holy Spirit, it matters not where we are sent, or even where those who hate us may take us. We will go as witnesses of Jesus, for Father God is still in control. What Divine comfort to know that wherever in the world we may be, and in whatsoever state, there is no power or presence able to subdue the Person of the Holy Spirit. What absolutely Divine Comfort, to know the indwelling Person of the Holy Spirit.   

These Three comforts are what we have been afforded, to comfortingly move us from Jesus’ Lasts, to an anticipated Advent Season.