John 16:33 These
things have I spoken unto you, that you may have peace in me. In the world you
will have tribulation, but have good courage: I have conquered the world.
Jesus speaks these
words after He has spoken of the Holy Ghost, of His Father and of Himself.
About the reason of His coming and what Jesus and the Spirit do on earth. Jesus
did not speak in parables, but in plain language without imagery. And the
disciples ask him, why did you speak this now?
Jesus has spoken
this so that we may have peace in him. Peace, not peace like it is in a war
that both encamp peace, but in the middle of a war a sense of security. The
protective arms of Jesus feel about us and know that He takes care of us.
That's the peace of God: He takes care of us He guides us through the dark
valley and through the troubles here on earth and He loves us. We can know that
peace through the Lord Jesus.
For in the world we
shall have tribulation, says Jesus. Perhaps you think so: what an exaggeration.
The Christians in China, who suffer tribulation and in Africa, are prosecuted.
In Islamic countries, tribulation is only and where others believe is the
greatest. Partly, that's right, but do not we avoid tribulation? In China they
go to church on Sunday, no one knows. And what do we do in the west? We just do
not go to church, that is not necessary. Thus we avoid tribulation. And what
about our work? Do we do anything for the boss or the money? Even when it comes
to the Bible? Are we strict enough for ourselves when it comes to television
and the internet or are we all in?
Tribulation goes
far, very far. And we must stand strong and not dodge tribulation by
contributing everywhere by giving to all temptations and not wanting to be
different from the world. For Christ has overcome the world and Satan is
defeated. Death has been destroyed because Jesus has risen. That makes us free!
Free from this world and free from sin. Then, in our life, we can celebrate the
celebration of victory together with Jesus. That's life in his path and not
living with the world.
Christ fulfills us
with peace, He leads us by His hand. He protects us and knows us. Live with
him, stand strong with him and live especially in his victory! He conquered the
world in which we receive so much resistance, but in Him we may stand strong
and be different. Then we will experience His peace and our lives will be
richer.
