06/02/2024
Today we continue to live in a world of tribulation, suffering, and affliction, and it surrounds us at almost every turn. However, scripture tells us that we have been delivered from all of that suffering by Jesus Christ who has overcome the world. Given today’s world are we at peace, and of good cheer, or have we resolved ourselves to be anxious and worried over the state of things? Perhaps we have missed the fact that our troubles bring us closer to Jesus, and press us together with Him in a way that transforms the grapes of our faith into a fine wine for our Father’s table.
“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 KJV
In John 16 Jesus also describes the trouble we experience in our lives by comparing it to the pain of childbirth. Yet, if we are to have the great joy that a child brings, and experience its new life, then we must suffer the tribulations that precede it. This sounds ominous and causes us to tremble, but Jesus reassures us that although there will be trouble, He has overcome it. In our prayers we can ask, and He will restore peace and happiness to us. Then in the end, when He returns, the birth pains will be over and our joy will reign supreme.
I find it interesting that the word translated as tribulation in John 16:33 is the Greek word thlipsis which means "a pressing together", like grapes. Our tribulation truly brings us closer to The Father, and the end result of our "pressing together" is the holy wine which Jesus gave us to take in communion as we remember Him.
Our troubles are painful but through prayer, and trust in the Word, our faith becomes like the joy which follows the travails of a woman in childbirth... full of happiness and peace, and the sudden relief that final push brings as her Child enters the world. Our Lord Jesus will return, and when He does, the joy that we must now seek in prayer alone will burst forth and well up to engulf us in His love.
“And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.”
John 16:22 KJV
Life is full of suffering, but our promise in the second coming is one of everlasting joy! We suffer now even as Jesus suffered, but our reward is coming soon and our hope is in Him. So today as we pray, let's seek relief from whatever tribulation we are facing, but even more, let's call on the Lord to return... Bringing with Him joy to all of us who are waiting faithfully on Him. Now, as we await that moment of great joy, let's drink the wine of our coming together and remember Him each day in this His blood and body, as He commanded us. This is our anticipation, our great hope, our wine of faith... Come, Lord Jesus!
Prayer:
Father, thank you for the tribulation in my life that brings me closer to you, and your Son Jesus Christ. Thank you Lord for the assurance of peace and joy which are certain to follow my problems when at last I see Jesus descending from the clouds. Hear my prayers as I call out to you for help, and for the quick return of Jesus to claim me. You walk with me Lord through every valley, and lead me to the top of each mountain. There is no hardship that I need to face alone because you are there with me, and hear my prayers. Help me to relinquish my cares and troubles, and place them in your hands. Help me to trust in the return of Jesus to fetch me to you, and give me the faith, and ultimate confidence, that I need to realize that He has overcome the world. You are the one true God, and you are my strong tower in the face of every trouble I face in life. I was a sinner and you sent your Son Jesus to redeem me, I was sick and you healed me, and I was dead in sin and you raised me up. Now I pray that you quickly send Jesus to call me, and beckon me to meet Him in the sky. I pray that on that day I will be pressed with Him into a fine wine, and that any bitterness I might have will be covered by His sweet life. I pray that you will be pleased with me Father and serve me to the wedding guests at your table. Praised be your name for my confidence in the return of Jesus to claim His bride, and that you hear me when I pray “Even so, come, Lord Jesus.”
“He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.”
Revelation 22:20-21 KJV
Amen!
Rich Forbes