9-21-2017

Good Morning All,

    John 16:33; “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.”

    We like to know what is going on so we can be prepared for the event.  We write up schedules so we know what is coming, what to expect.  We like to know what is waiting, what we have to be prepared for.  We look at the weather forecast and decide if we need a coat or an umbrella or gloves and a hat.  We like to be prepared for what is ahead.  This is part of the reason why Jesus told his disciples, “In this world you will have tribulation.”  There will be problems; expect them to happen to you.

    We will have two kinds of troubles.  The first kind is the result of a broken sinful world.  We will still get sicknesses, diseases, experience financial troubles, relationship troubles; all the same things that every other human being experiences.  We are still in the world and trouble abounds.  The second kind of trouble we will experience is the result of being a Christian.  When you confessed Jesus as Lord; you painted a bulls-eye on your back and the devil will take potshots at you throughout your entire life.  The world will ridicule, mock, denigrate, chide, malign, abuse and attempt to debase you because of your faith.  We will have problems but this verse tells us something that we have that is greater; we have peace.

    Jesus overcame the world.  He has defeated the devil and we have peace.  We have peace because we know that, no matter what the world throws at us, we are assured the victory of eternal life in Jesus and the world can never take that away.  We have that guaranteed to us and we can cling to that truth and rest completely confident that we are the victors.  We can look at the world and know that nothing can separate us from God’s love.  We can have peace because we are reconciled to God and through him we have power.

    Jesus overcame the world so that you and I could have peace.  We can take comfort and consolation in the simple truth that Jesus won the victory for us on Calvary and declared this victory to us and the entire sum of creation by walking out of the tomb as the champion.  He overcame sin, death and the power of the devil.  Jesus defeated these enemies and gave the victory to us in his unfathomable love for us.

    There will be problems but more importantly there is victory for us.  We know it; we know how this story ends.  Jesus wins and takes us with Him.  We can cling to this no matter what happens; we have the victory.  We can rest in his loving arms and live in peace, knowing that our life is secure.

Gracious Father, at times my problems look so big but it is only when I look at them and not at you.  You are my hope and my security.  You are my peace in a world that knows only unrest.  Be with those who struggle today.  Strengthen them by your Spirit that they may cling to you and know the victory that you give them.  In the precious name of Jesus our risen Savior we pray, amen.

God’s Peace,

Pastor Bret