David sinned against God, but even through that, God, in His grace, restored David when he repented. One night David was on the roof of the palace and saw Bathsheba, bathing. He called for her and the result was that she became pregnant. After orchestrating her husband Uriah’s death, David married Bathsheba and she soon gave birth to a son. …

This week we walk with Jesus as he leaves the feast of Passover with his disciples and begins his journey to a Roman cross.  He walks through streets and comes to gardens.  Somewhere along the route he grabs a grape vine and gives us one more example of what it’s like to follow him.

Already he has set an example for us: he washed our feet in John 13.  Last week, Jesus painted a picture of our true home in his kingdom: it’s like getting ready for a wedding.  This week he takes us deeper and uses a new word to describe the closest possible relationship we can have with him.  

The word is abide. 

David had become the king of Israel. When David assumed the throne of Israel, God had given the nation peace from its enemies. David was concerned however that the ark of the covenant still dwelt in a tent and did not have a permanent home. 

This week is a very special week.  We are sending out dozens of people on mission experiences over the next two weeks.  Students, faculty, and staff, from Northwestern and Dordt will be heading north and south and east and west.  Some will go to Europe, to Haiti, and to Nicaragua.  And, Pastor Bob and elder Karen Barker will be our representatives on a visit to our sister church in Japan.  

All this reminds me of a phrase from Pastor Rick Warren, “It’s not your seating capacity but your sending capacity that counts.”  Thanks be to God!

The message may seem out of place for a day of sending, but it actually fits quite well.  Jesus is in the middle of his last talk with the disciples before he goes to the cross.  They fear what comes next. Jesus sets them at ease as he talks about home, about the home he prepares for them in his Father’s house.  

David and Jonathan became great friends. Jonathan gave David several gifts. He gave him a robe, a military tunic, a sword, a bow, and a belt. Saul tried on several occasions to kill David. Jonathan warned David of Saul’s rage. 

This week, I’m beginning five weeks in the Gospel of John.  We’ll be walking with Jesus and his disciples during the night before he died.  In five chapters (John 13-17), in just a 2-3 hour span, Jesus gives his final words.  

We’re calling this worship series, “Before I go…”  If you knew you were going to die tomorrow, what would you do today?