Chapter 16 is certainly a mixed bag. We begin by reading Jesus say, "a time is coming when anyone who kills you will think he is offering a service to God". He follows that by reminding the disciples of the promised arrival of the Holy Spirit, who will guide them into truth and make things known. The final section, from verses 17-33, is the ultimate bad news/good news scenario. Jesus promises grief - weeping, mourning and pain. He then promises that grief will turn to joy, and the word joy (or rejoice) is used five times in that one paragraph. Sounds like the dominant theme is that they must remain hopeful, because joy is coming.
The verse I've memorized is the last verse of the chapter, 16:33, a pretty good summary of the entire coversation - "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
Amen to that.
No comments:
Post a Comment