John 16:16-33 NIV
Jesus warns his disciples that shortly they will no longer see him. Then, after a while, they will see him again. They will grieve and then they will rejoice? They are confused. They haven't a clue what he is talking about. He appears to be talking in riddles, again.
Lest we forget what we've read in preceding chapters let's review. Jesus tells his disciples these things in the Upper Room on the eve of his crucifixion. He is about to be betrayed. He is about to be put to death. Emotions will run high in the coming days. They will run and hide in fear as they grieve his death. Yet, in just a few more days they will be rejoicing when they find him risen from the dead.
Jesus likened what they would be going through to a woman giving birth. First, pain; then, when the child is born there will be rejoicing. It is this way with many of the trials we go through. It may feel as the world is coming to an end for us. We may even think that we do not want to endure another day on earth. But, as we journey through the dark shadows that we must endure, we find at the other side a beautiful rainbow and the Son shining. We rejoice.
Do not be afraid for God is with you. Take heart. Even though you will encounter trouble in this world; God has a good plan for you. Rejoice, for He has overcome the world and in Him you will know peace.
God's Peace - Pr. J
Jesus warns his disciples that shortly they will no longer see him. Then, after a while, they will see him again. They will grieve and then they will rejoice? They are confused. They haven't a clue what he is talking about. He appears to be talking in riddles, again.
Lest we forget what we've read in preceding chapters let's review. Jesus tells his disciples these things in the Upper Room on the eve of his crucifixion. He is about to be betrayed. He is about to be put to death. Emotions will run high in the coming days. They will run and hide in fear as they grieve his death. Yet, in just a few more days they will be rejoicing when they find him risen from the dead.
Jesus likened what they would be going through to a woman giving birth. First, pain; then, when the child is born there will be rejoicing. It is this way with many of the trials we go through. It may feel as the world is coming to an end for us. We may even think that we do not want to endure another day on earth. But, as we journey through the dark shadows that we must endure, we find at the other side a beautiful rainbow and the Son shining. We rejoice.
Do not be afraid for God is with you. Take heart. Even though you will encounter trouble in this world; God has a good plan for you. Rejoice, for He has overcome the world and in Him you will know peace.
God's Peace - Pr. J
No comments:
Post a Comment