Delivered 12/29/2019 in the Contemporary Service. As we continue to wrap up the Upper Room Discourse, Jesus describes to His disciples the difficult time that lies immediately ahead of them. A time when their hasty enthusiasm over their own understanding will be shattered as they scatter as soon as it is tested. But this "in-between" time is vital for their development, as Jesus strengthens them to be the Apostles upon whose shoulders He will build His church. This is particularly relevant to Christians because we are also in the time "in-between" our salvation and our entry into God's presence in heaven-- in-between spiritual ignorance and true understanding. We will find valuable lessons in both the shortcomings of the disciples and the loving patience of Christ as He "looks through" what they get wrong to develop what they get right. Ultimately we will re-enforce the recurring lesson that by keeping Jesus "ever before us", we will be encouraged and strengthened to accomplish all He has called us to do in our time "in-between" the Cross and Glory.