“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33
Our Lord’s encouraging words in today’s Scripture passage deserve special attention and reflection. Jesus let His disciples know, first of all, that He deeply cares about the mental and emotional health of His people. He desires that they enjoy lasting peace, and His powerful words were intended to achieve that purpose. His words, we may say, are the nourishment we need to maintain optimal mental and emotional health. “The flesh profiteth nothing,” said the Lord Jesus, “the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life” (John 6:63). The Lord was very realistic about the human condition; in this world we will have trouble. Students of Scripture understand why. In the beginning God created a very good world and placed it under the authority of original man, Adam, who was not only our physical and spiritual progenitor, but our representative and federal head. In his needless but deliberate rebellion against God, Adam tacitly gave his authority to Satan (Genesis 3; Luke 4:6). When original man fell, the whole created order under his authority fell also. Adam the sinner became the father of a race of sinners and Satan became the god of this world. John tells us elsewhere that even now “the whole world lies under the sway of the evil one” (1 John 5:19). Be that as it may, Christ the Lord changed things at His first coming. The world under Satan hated our Lord and threw the worst it could at Him. It resisted and rejected Him, persecuting Him even unto death. What looked like a staggering defeat, however, was actually a stunning victory. Christ’s death on the cross paid our sin debt in full. His resurrection from the dead is the ultimate proof. “Be of good cheer,” said Jesus. The lover of our souls has defeated our most hated and feared enemies. Death, hell, the grave, and the fear of future judgment, even Satan himself, have all been conquered (Colossians 2:15). As we reflect upon these precious New Testament realities today, may our love for the Savior who loved us first cast out all fear and anxiety (1 John 4:18). May we receive His strength to overcome all that opposes the rule of God in our lives today, and may we experience His supernatural, lasting peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7).
God bless you all dear saints,
Pastor John
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