Tribulation and Good Cheer

John 16:33 “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.   For the Christian, real spiritual joy and peace cannot come from the world. Our joy must come from the One who overcame the world (1 John 4:4, 5). Peace and joy in Christ is a state of mind that sees God working in the background, no matter how bad the circumstances. Paul stated it like this, “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Phil.1:21). Either way, Christ is glorified. In John chapters 14—16, Jesus spoke words of comfort to His church, which had finally resigned itself to the idea that He really was going to let the leaders kill Him. Naturally, the apostles were devastated. They had left their families and homes and jobs to follow Him in what they thought was to be the establishment of the kingdom of Israel. Parents in Israel had taught their children this all their lives. Now, He said that He was going to let the leaders kill Him. All is lost. Jesus taught them that He must first be the suffering Messiah and pay for mankind’s sin. Then, He would rise the third day and go to the Father’s house, from whence He will return, “And receive you unto myself, that where I am, there ye may be also” (John 14:3).     JUST SAYING Jesus has paid for sin with His life. He will return and set up His kingdom and will rule in justice and righteousness. Robert Brock