Here's a promise from Jesus that doesn't get much attention. "In the world you have tribulation, but take courage I have overcome the world." What is tribulation? One dictionary defines it as "great misery or distress, as from oppression." Jesus acknowledges that trouble is a part of our human condition. In the Old Testament the story of Job records his words as saying, "Man who is born of woman is short lived and full of trouble. Like a flower he comes forth, and withers. He also flees like a shadow and does not remain."
Tribulation is a real part of life and although it comes in varying degrees, we all experience it sometime. It seems to be woven into this world as people suffer sicknesses, disasters, or fall victim to crime. But to return to the promise of Jesus. He said that we should take courage because not only does he say we will have troubles in this world, but that He has overcome the world.
What this means for us is that His work of redemption and salvation has struck the root of all human sufferings and sorrows, which is the problem of sin. He went through tribulation as He went to the cross for our sake. He was oppressed as false charges were levied against Him. He experienced misery as His back was struck with the cruel whips. Pain caused great suffering for Him as He was nailed to that cross. Yet, He has overcome the world. As He overcame the forces of sin, evil and darkness, He proved to all the world that He was and is today, the Son of God.
So how does His overcoming give us grounds to take courage? By believing in Him we become born again, and as such are now part of His unique and distinct people. As such we are privileged to have within us all the resources of the God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. There is nothing that life or this world can bring upon us that will nullify what Christ has accomplished in us and for us. Because He lives, we will live. Because He has overcome, we will overcome, today and in that final day of judgment. This gives us a sure basis to face life with confidence and yes, courage.
Have unwise choices made life difficult for you and those around you? Are you distressed because of what life has become? Is sin oppressing you and making you addicted to some life controlling habit or pattern? Jesus has overcome all that, and is able to help you overcome today. Might not be easy and is certainly no quick fix to some of these situations, but you can begin fresh, today. Believe Him for the forgiveness of all your sins. Let salvation be yours, and restoration will soon follow. Let today as you read, be your day to start over. You can overcome in the name of Jesus!
No comments:
Post a Comment