DAY #173: John 16:16-17:5

Following his explanation of the time between his departure and return, Jesus used a figure of speech to depict how quickly the disciples’ grief will suddenly turn to wonderful joy: “It will be like a woman experiencing the pains of labor. When her child is born, her anguish gives place to joy.” The disciples would grieve for their crucified Master, and the world (the mass of people opposed to Jesus) will rejoice that this “madman” had finally been silenced.

But the disciples’ grief would turn to joy when they would see their resurrected Lord. In addition, the Holy Spirit would help them understand the true purpose of Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection—that it meant salvation from sin and eternal life for everyone who believes! Indeed, they would rejoice, and no one would be able to rob them of that joy.



Jesus was preparing the disciples for the reality that his death would allow them direct access to the Father in prayer and that they ought to make use of it (Hebrews 10:19-25)! The Father would respond to the disciples because, as Jesus said, “The Father himself loves you dearly because you love me and believe that I came from God.” All who love Jesus and believe in him as God’s Son are loved by the Father. Why? Because they have loved him whom the Father dearly loves. God remembers our faithfulness to his Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus not only encouraged the disciples to love him and remain faithful, but he also reminds us how essential our faithfulness really is.



In a final note of encouragement, Jesus promised the disciples peace through their union with Him—for He would overcome the world by rising from the grave. The world, Satan’s system that is opposed to God, will give the believers many trials and sorrows. But Jesus has beaten Satan’s system, won the victory, and overcome the world. The disciples could constantly rejoice in the victory because they were on the winning team.



With these words Jesus told his disciples to take courage. Despite the inevitable struggles they would face, they would not be alone. Just as Jesus’ Father did not leave him alone, Jesus does not abandon us to our struggles either. If we remember that the ultimate victory has already been won, we can claim the peace of Christ in the most troublesome times. Jesus wants us to have peace.



Looking beyond the Cross to his resurrection and ascension, Jesus asked the Father to restore the glory he had shared with the Father before the world began. In saying this, Jesus gives us a glimpse of his relationship with the Father before the beginning of time. Jesus wanted to return to the glory he had with the Father before the world was created. Jesus would enter into that glory as the crucified and risen Lord Jesus Christ.





SO WHAT? (what will I do with what I have read today?)

Take courage. Live like a champion. In Christ we are winners. We are overcomers. There will be trials and struggles and battles. We will fall short at times. We will blow it. Get up and get on with it. There are people to love and lives to be saved. Get on with it. There is work to be done and lives to be built. Get on with it.

Lord, give each of the people at COV a heart and mind of a winner. Build a mental and emotional and spiritual "toughness" into each of. Give us a heart and spirit to never give up and to never walk away from you. Everyday, remind us that you achieved our victory on the cross.

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers." Galatians 6:9-10 (NIV)