Promised comfort

In verses 14:15-31 of John, Jesus promises believers comfort from 5 supernatural blessings that the world does not enjoy: 1) a supernatural Helper (vv. 15-17); 2) a supernatural life (vv. 18,19); 3) a supernatural union (vv. 20-25); 4) a supernatural Teacher (v. 26); and 5) a supernatural peace (vv. 27-31).  The key to all of this is John 14:15 which relates that these supernatural promises are for those who love Jesus Christ, whose love is evidenced by obedience.

Commentary from the MacArthur study Bible, summary notes for John 14:15-31.

How Will We Know?

Jesus will return to earth in the same manner in which He left (Acts 1:9-11; Daniel 7:13,14; Revelation 1:7). The psalmist said that God uses “clouds” as His chariot (Psalm 104:3), and Isaiah 19:1 pictures the Lord riding on a cloud.  Although these “clouds” could be natural, they more likely describe the supernatural “glory cloud” that represented God’s presence in Old Testament Israel.  While Christ possesses “great power and glory,” His return will be accompanied by visible manifestations of that power and glory – He will redeem the elect, restore the devastated earth, and establish His rule on earth.

Commentary from the MacArthur study Bible, notes for Mark 13:26.

The Handwriting on the Wall

But you have not glorified the God

who holds your life-breath

in His hand

and who controls the whole course

of your life.

Therefore, He sent the hand,

and this writing was inscribed.

Daniel 23c-24

 

This is the interpretation of the message:

MENE-God has numbered [the days]

of your kingdom and brought it 

to an end.

TEKEL-you have been weighed in the

balance and found deficient.

PERES-your kingdom has been divided

and given to the Medes and Persians.

Daniel 5:26-28

Thankfully God had given Daniel the interpretation, to in turn give to the very worried King.  Although, there was not any relief from the worry once the King listened to the interpretation of the handwriting on the wall.  A lesson for us to glean is in the reason why it happened in the first place (return to Daniel 23c-24 for the reason).

(Note: ‘Peres’ is a form of ‘Parsin’.  The meaning is ‘divided’, or ‘half a shekel’.)