Experiencing God's Presence #103

One of the disciples, the one Jesus loved dearly, was reclining against him, his head on his shoulder. Peter motioned to him to ask who Jesus might be talking about. So, being the closest, he said, “Master, who?”

John 13:23-25, THE MESSAGE

Jesus and His disciples were sitting around a table sharing a meal together, the last meal before He was crucified. At one point, Jesus became visibly upset and said someone was going to betray Him. The disciples wondered who it might be, so Peter naturally asked the one closest to Him—John, who was leaning against Jesus with his head on the divine shoulder. “The one Jesus loved dearly” was close enough to hear Jesus’ whispers.

This is the same John who would later fall at Jesus’ feet as though dead (Revelation 1:17), but on this night he was leaning comfortably against his Friend. And those who assume that position hear divine secrets. It’s a picture of God and His people drawing close in the kind of relationship we’re all invited to have.

Imagine someone who knows you inside and out, who listens to your dreams and your pain, who is always pulling for you, and whose love for you and faithfulness to you will never change. He is the God of the tiniest details of your life, the God who lets you lean against Him, the One who sees into every corner of your heart and whispers in your ear. He’s always inviting you closer, and everything He plans for your life is designed for that purpose—to bring you closer to Him.

Jesus, I accept that I am a disciple whom You love, and I choose to lean against You. Let me hear Your quiet voice in my ear. Share Your heart with me.

From the book