YOU ARE NOT AN ORPHAN!

[Donn Jibben]

YOU ARE NOT AN ORPHAN!!

 

Its calving season for most of us and with this season it brings excitement and great expectations as the new calves arrive.  There is nothing more joyful than seeing the new born calves gather in groups and run around, tails in the air with great joy!

With calving season there also comes the once and a while “orphaned bottle calf” situation.  We have all experienced the “orphan” calf.  Maybe a two yr. old heifer doesn’t want anything to do with her calf and completely rejects her own offspring.  Those times can be frustrating for sure and unless you can graft the calf onto another momma cow that has lost her calf for some other reason.  If not, then the calf is truly an “orphan” and becomes the barn yard bottle calf. Oh the joy of raising em!

Let me ask you; have you ever felt like an “orphan.”  Have you ever felt isolated or alone in this world.”  What do you think the Disciples thought when Jesus told them that He would soon ascend to heaven and leave them behind on earth?

It must have been natural for them to feel sorrowful and disappointed for sure. I am sure that uncertainty and insecurity flooded their minds as the thought of being “orphans” filled their hearts.  Yet inspite of this news Jesus also promised and proclaimed to them these words;      “I will not leave you comfortless…”  John 14:18.

The word “comfortless” actually means “orphanos” which is where we get the word “orphan.”

This word “orphanos” describes children that have been left without a father or mother and refers to a child who has been abandoned due to the death of desertion of its father or mother.  Once orphaned, the child is deprived of its necessary needs of care, supervision and protection, unless someone steps in and adopts the child.   It also refers to a student that has been abandoned by their teacher that leaves the student feeling deserted, forsaken, discarded and even thrown away.

Jesus, being the disciple’s savior, master and shepherd, knew how much they depended upon Him.  He knew they couldn’t make it alone without Him.  This is why He promised them these words, “I will not leave you like orphans…”

We cannot make it on our own in this world either. But here is the good news, we don’t have too!  Jesus is here for us too and He has not deserted you or thrown you away! 

Yes He ascended to the Heavenly Father, but He has sent the blessed Holy Spirit to indwell us and empower us as Gods children.  The Holy Spirit is active today, teaching us, strengthening us, comforting us and guiding us! 

Feeling alone today?  Feeling maybe like an orphan?  Open your hearts today to this truth; You are not alone! You are not an orphan! Jesus loves you and cares deeply about you and God has great plans for you!  Your live has great meaning, value and purpose!

Pray this prayer today: Lord Jesus I thank you that I am not a spiritual orphan in this world.  I am not alone because you have not abandoned me.  You have sent your Holy Spirit to indwell me and empower me and so now Lord I am asking that you come live in my heart today, forgive me of all my sin and fill me with your Holy Spirit that I may be your child and know your love and presence.  In Jesus Name, Amen.

• John 14:18 “ I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you!”

 

In Christ’s love

Donn J.