The world
is full of joy-thieves: illness, death, rejection . . . Satan. Jesus’ words
here, addressed to his disciples, refer to specific circumstances, but they
offer us the same hope: joy that can’t be stolen.
In
chapters 13 through 17 of his gospel, John records Jesus’ predictions regarding
his betrayal and death – surely causes for sorrow – as well as his message of
comfort and hope. His disciples may not have comprehended the future that Jesus
was trying to prepare them for, but later they successfully navigated through the
storm of grief to claim the promised joy.
We find no
record that the disciples ever regretted their experience. Acts 4: 33
provides a snapshot of their actions and attitudes following their time with
Jesus: “With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection
of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all.”
Here, Jesus
encourages his disciples by telling them that he will see them again, but it
was a temporary physical reunion that he was predicting. Of course they would
rejoice when they saw him again – alive. But Jesus doesn’t hand out joy that
doesn’t last. In John 17: 13, Jesus prayed that his followers would receive
“the full measure of my joy within them.” That prayer was answered when he gave
us his Holy Spirit – himself – to dwell within us forever (John 14: 16). Before
his physical departure from the world, he reminded us of our reason for joy:
“Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28: 20)
Now
there’s a promise you can hang your hopes on!
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