Now there was leaning on Jesus’ bosom one of His disciples, whom Jesus loved. Simon Peter therefore motioned to him to ask who it was of whom He spoke. Then, leaning back on Jesus’ breast, he said to Him, “Lord, who is it?” (John 13:23-25)
Can you imagine hearing the Lord’s heartbeat? Jesus was fully man and fully God. His heart beat like any other man’s – pumping at a resting beat as He reclined at dinner. On that memorable night John no doubt reflected back on all he had seen, heard and felt in those short three years with the Messiah. Do you suppose John actually heard the heartbeat of his Savior? I’d like to think so…
John was thought to be the youngest disciple of the twelve. He and James were known as the “sons of thunder”. John was juvenile and impetuous when he first met Jesus. Later on he would be one of the three disciples that Jesus referred to as His inner circle. John had a unique relationship with Jesus and wrote some of the most intimate passages in Scripture. He was cherished by the Creator of the universe with a depth of love that could not be adequately measured or put into words. He never got over that feeling of unconditional love.
John was present at some of the key moments in Jesus' life:~ he saw Jesus bring Jairus' daughter back to life
~ he watched the miracle feeding of thousands in the hills of Galilee
~ he saw whatever it was that mysteriously happened at the Transfiguration
~ he was with Jesus during their last supper in the upper room
~ he witnessed the resurrection of Jesus’ dear friend Lazarus
~ he was present when the soldiers came for Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane
~ he stood near the foot of the cross as Jesus died in horrifying agony
~ he outran Peter to enter the tomb of Jesus on the third day after His death
In response, Jesus entrusted his young friend with the care of His mother Mary.
What do we do when we’re overwhelmed with life? How do we deal with our broken hearts and dreams? If you could physically lean against your Lord – placing your head on His chest in sorrow - could you hear His heartbeat?
That heartbeat reminds us of His eternal care and comfort. As a baby reacts to his mother's heartbeat when placed upon her breast, we too are enveloped in His love and eternal security.
When...
You just lost a loved one in a tragic accident. You never had an opportunity to say “good-bye”. You’re angry and hurt. You just wanted to tell them you loved them. It just isn’t fair – you miss them so much. “Why now, Lord?” Lean on Him. Rest in His love.
Your spouse just told you they didn’t love you anymore. They want “out” of the marriage. You didn’t even see it coming – you were blind-sighted. You though everything was okay. What happened to the vows you took years earlier? Lean on Him. Rest in His faithfulness.
Your son or daughter just phoned you from jail. Your heart begins to ache and you’ve got a lump in your throat. You thought the conversation you had just the other day would make a difference. Now what do you do? Lean on Him. Rest in His sovereignty.
The doctor just called you and needs you to come in for further testing. Your routine check-up seemed to go just fine, but now you’re worried. Maybe the results got mixed up with someone else, right? Lean on Him. Rest in His mercy.
There will be times when you’ll have to deal with tragedy or heartbreak alone. Others won’t be able to comfort you or change the outcome. That is when you need to press into your faith and call out to your Savior. Lean on Him. Rest in His compassion.
Be still - Lean on Him and listen… can you hear His heartbeat?
Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion. It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together.
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