To Be the Beloved

by Dina Balicanot

 

John 21:20-25



T
he reference in the Gospel "to a disciple whom Jesus loved" whom Peter was so overly concerned with (more than himself) caught my attention.  Who was the disciple who had also reclined upon Jesus' chest during supper? It was the beloved John. How special could this disciple be?


     John seemed to have enjoyed to the highest degree the friendship of Christ.  He received many tokens of the Savior's confidence and love. He was one of the three privileged apostles to witness Christ's glory upon the mount of transfiguration and His agony in Gethsemane. And it was to his care that our Lord confided His mother in those last hours of anguish upon the cross.   


     In return, John loved Jesus with ardent devotion. John clung to Christ like a vine to a huge branch. It was John's deep love for Christ that made him always to desire to be close by His side. 

 

     The Savior loved all the Twelve, but John's was the most receptive spirit. Now I wonder how it feels like to be like John  whom Jesus loved.  To be near and close by Jesus.  To recline upon the bosom of Jesus.  To be His closest friend.  To receive His confidence.  To take care of Jesus' loved ones.  Wow,the mere idea blows me away!

     That could be the highest privilege we could ever earn for ourselves. Question is, do we ever come anywhere near to how John passionately loved Jesus? Do we cling to Jesus like we would gasp for air?

     No matter how impossible it may seem, let us seriously aim to be John.  To be a beloved of Jesus.  To be His most privileged disciple.   

 

Prayer:

 

Lord, we are amazed at how You could favor someone who has been faithful to You.  May the example of John bring us to desire to be Your beloved as well. Amen.

 

 

 
 
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