Thay You May Know - Pt 1

Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe? Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me. I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:31-33 ESV).

I’m actually writing this devotional some days earlier than it will post. Here in North Texas it is a stormy night with the forecast for heavier rains than normal and potential flooding throughout the area over the next two days. My typical reaction is “Yuk!” Tonight it has served to inspire me for the subject in the next week. Our reading today is particularly encouraging. John quotes Jesus promising that we will have “tribulation” in this world, but “take heart… I have overcome the world” (v. 33). Over the next week I hope to encourage you with the miracles of Jesus. I have done some of these passages in dealing with the perspective of the recipients of the works and words of Jesus. I want us to look a bit deeper and see the revelation of the character and power of Jesus in them. The life that God calls us to is wonderful because Jesus has overcome the world. So, as a matter of background for this series ponder these phrases from our reading: First, note Jesus said, “I have told you these things” (v. 32). It is Jesus’ gentle reminder of what he had been teaching the disciples since the beginning. The coming events should not be a surprise, even though they were. Moreover, the result should not be a surprise. He would overcome and so will we. Second, Jesus said these things would happen “so that in me you may have peace” (v. 32). It was not the information itself that was to bring them peace. Although it would help when trouble came for them to remember that Jesus had been prophetic in his warning, their peace would be in Him. Seeking peace anywhere else is a trap. Other methods of finding peace or security only lead to anxiety. The peace we find in Christ is eternal and will withstand any circumstances. Third, Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble” (v. 32). We can and must put away any false doctrine of prosperity. Make no mistake, seeking the Kingdom of God and his righteousness (cf. Matthew 6:33) and living wisely unto God will make it highly likely that you will prosper, but no one, Christian or not Christian, avoids trouble in this life if they live very long. He also says we can “take heart.” To take heart means to be encouraged. Jesus’ words are meant to strengthen us. Fourth, Jesus says, “I have overcome the world” (v. 33). When Jesus spoke these words he had not yet faced all of the cruel suffering of the last three days of his earthly ministry. And yet, that he had already overcome the world was evident in the tense he used (I have, rather than I will). He would face what was to come because he was the Lamb slain since the foundation of the world (cf. Revelation 13:8). As his followers, we too can face anything because, in Him, we too have overcome. Take heart and walk out what God has for you for your joy and his glory.