August
22, 2003
BE
OF GOOD CHEER,
I HAVE OVERCOME THE WORLD
"These
things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace.
In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer,
I have overcome the world" (John 16:33, NKJV).
These
words of Jesus are as vital for us today as they were when
spoken to the disciples the evening before Christ's crucifixion.
Jesus made no mention of the suffering that He had endured
and was about to endure. He did not speak of the humiliation
before Him, but sought to share that which would strengthen
His disciples faith and give them peace through the tribulations
about to break upon them. Jesus was leading them to look forward
to the joys that will come to those who put their faith and
trust in Him. From Him, they and we receive the truth, understanding,
love, compassion, cleansing and peace. He was and is in the
business of making men and women compassionate and caring,
and like Him in character.
In respect
to human character, the world has not changed all that much
since Jesus walked the dusty roads of Palestine. As you look
at the days news tribulations and troubles abound. Do you
anticipate that earthly governments are going to reform and
lead us into stability, tranquility and peace? Not likely.
Jesus said that in the last days on the earth there will be
"distress of nations with perplexity"
and "men's hearts failing them
from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming
on the earth... Then they will see the Son of Man coming in
a cloud with power and great glory." (Luke 21:25,
26). Christ is the answer. He knows the end from the beginning
and He is preparing those who love and trust Him to live His
values in the present with hope and joyful anticipation of
the future. After all, He has made Himself our Brother and
our Friend and has promise to be with us "always"
(Matthew 28:20).
Oh, that
men an women would allow the Holy Spirit to soften and subdue
their cruel instincts and do what is right in spite of the
indignities they may have suffered. This is the example that
Jesus has left for us. Even though he was treated as a an
evil doer and suffered the death of a criminal, He did not
retaliate against His persecutors. He suffered and endured
the indignities of evil people so that you and I might receive
and be a part of His inheritance. He took the sins of the
world upon Himself at the cross so that we may learn to be
obedient and do what is right as He taught us and receive
His reward for overcoming (see 2 Corinthians 5:21).
Truly
in
the world we will have tribulations; but we may be cheerful,
because Jesus has overcome the world
on our behalf.
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