And they said to him, “Rabbi” (which means teacher), “where are you staying?” He said to them, “Come and you will see.” So they came and saw . . .1
The pronounced benefits of following Christ: Presence, Peace (Shalom), and Purpose.
Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.2 The fact of His Presence isn’t in question. The issue is whether we remain aware of His presence or not. And surprisingly, the degree to which we are aware of Him seems to correlate to the level at which we experience Him.3
But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.4 The Hebrew word for peace is shalom; it means fullness, wholeness, abundance, a sense that things are right, a state of well-being in every area of life.5
You are the salt of the earth, . . . You are the light of the world. . . .6
Notes:
1. John 1:38b-39
2. Deuteronomy 31:6
3. Chris Tiegreen, The One Year Experiencing God’s Presence Devotional, 238
4. John 14:26-27
5. Chris Tiegreen, The One Year Experiencing God’s Presence Devotional, 241
6. Matthew 5:13a, 14a.
