Reflecting on John 16:29-33“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
This pretty much sums it up what it means to trust in Jesus.
This world is still filled with trouble – misery, injustice, despair and death.
This world is not moved by love, but by hate and hurt, violence and cruelty.
We are all overwhelmed by these, and we are all overcome by them.
No human has ever been able to overcome them… until Jesus.
Jesus refused to give in to the hate, hurt, violence and cruelty.
Jesus refused Satan’s lies to use power and force to overcome evil.
Jesus stayed true to God’s call to love all people, no matter what.
He chose to overcome evil with good, rather than more evil.
As a result, death had no hold on Him, for death is tied to sin.
The resurrection of Jesus is His overcoming the world of sin and death.
Not only is it His victory, it is the victory of all humanity with Him.
In Jesus, Adam (humanity) is back in charge, and love is His way of ruling.
We can take heart, because the way of love has overcome, and will overcome.
And we can give our hearts to Jesus and the Jesus Way, for they WILL win in the end!
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, hate seems to rule right now, but love wins. You HAVE overcome evil with good! Despite all the trouble and misery around us, we can take heart as we join You in overcoming evil with goodness. Love wins!