“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
As a teenager in secondary school, I spent six years in a boarding school—far away from home and my loved ones. The emotional pain of being apart from my parents and siblings was overwhelming, especially when faced with bullying and punishments. However, as the term neared its end, my heart would lift with joy because I knew I would see my loved ones again.
This is akin to what Christ told His disciples in today’s Scripture. He knew His absence would be deeply felt and accompanied by persecutions, sorrow, frustration, and tribulations—tools the devil would use to discourage them. We face similar challenges today.
However, just as Jesus promised His disciples that He would see them again and their joy would be untouchable; this promise applies to us as well. Despite our trials, Jesus has assured us of victory. He calls us to remain watchful, joyful, and faithful as we look forward to His return—when He will take us to a place where trouble no longer exists.
Charge: Focus on reaching your eternal home now, so your present pains will not be in vain.
Further Study: Matthew 6:28-33; John 14:1-3; Romans 8:31-39; Revelation 21:4.
Happy Friday and have a great weekend.
