Haven’t I Been Telling You This?

John 16:33 ESV
“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.”

Explanation:
Jesus had tried to prepare His disciples of impending trouble that would come, but they had their minds made up about the outcome of the Messiah. To them, the Messiah was going to overthrow the Roman government and sit on the throne in Jerusalem and rule forever.

That was not totally accurate, not for this time period. It will happen one day. The most important matter in this passage is not the warning, it’s about where we can be even when troubles come. Jesus had told the disciples that even when troubles come, and they will come, they can still be at peace. Think about that, we live in perilous times, nothing is certain but the Trinity and God’s word.

The government has lost control. Violence is rampant, the economy is uncertain, people are doing what is right in there own eyes…our country is in trouble. If we think about it, it will overwhelm us, maybe even devastate us and cause us fear. But Jesus said, “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.”

He has warned us, but He has also given us the greatest antidote. Even when all this world falls a part, we can still be at peace in Him. Why? Because Jesus has overcome all things. There is no greater than He. There is nothing that we encounter that He cannot defeat and overcome. Perhaps give us the peace to work through no matter what comes our way.

Prayer:
Lord, help us to keep our eyes on You, and our Spirits ready to listen to Your Spirt’s direction. No matter what we face, we can face it with You! In Your name Lord, Amen!