“A time is coming and in fact has come when you will be scattered, each to your own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me. I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
John 16:32-33 NIV
Not Alone
A portrait of Canadians shows more are home alone than ever before. Statistics Canada says these living arrangements reflect social economic conditions, aging and population growth. In 2021, 4.4 million people lived alone — up from 1.7 million in 1981 — and this represents 15% of all Canadians aged 15 and older in private households in 2021. That is the highest number on record. According to Statistics Canada “In recent decades, there has been a gradual decrease in the share of households composed of only one family with no additional people.”
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Today is an interesting day on the Christian calendar. Yesterday was Good Friday. We focused on the Cross, on Jesus’ sacrificial death, on the completion of His work of redemption. Tomorrow we will rejoice at His resurrection, celebration of the death of death. Today is the day in between. It’s a good day to ponder the mystery of all that this weekend is about. That was what Jesus’ followers were doing on the day following His crucifixion. They must have remembered the words of Jesus in John 16:32-33: “A time is coming and in fact has come when you will be scattered, each to your own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me. ‘I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” They had left Him alone, and they would regret that – particularly Peter. But Jesus promises His peace. He will provide it on Resurrection Day. He has provided it. You are not alone – the crucified, and soon to be resurrected Jesus is with you.
These have been words from the heart.
Bob Beasley