Title: Were You There / John 16:16-24
content were you there
(John 16:16-24)
Whereas Americans are "I live and you die", Jews have a "I live, you live" way of life. But what do you think of Koreans? "You die and I die". We want to die together. If I can't live, you can't live with me either. That is why Koreans are said to be a scary nation. I risk my life and run, what can stop me? Jesus is just like that. He loves us, and he gave his life for us.
But the difference in Jesus' love from the people of the world is that it starts with "I'm dying" and ends with "You'll live". That is why Jesus died on the cross, so that we live. Without the love that died to save me, none of us would be able to sit here. We received that love without feeling it or not knowing it, and we are still enjoying that love.
We find between verses 16 and 19 that the word “in a little while” occurs seven times.
Those who know this secret will not be overcome by the worries and concerns that are before their eyes and will not give in. In the world we live in, of course there are concerns and concerns. There are always happy things and only good things do not continue. But this is also true of believing in Jesus. It would be good if I could always live a life of faith because I was always full of grace, but sooner or later I will see myself losing my strength and my joy disappears. However, it is also "a little while". If you wait patiently, the peace and joy of the resurrected Jesus will come soon.
See verse 33.
“I give this name to you, that you may find peace in me.
In this world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” Jesus overcame the world. The Lord is with us today. Please believe that it is not according to the natural law that there are times and there are times, but because of the active intervention of Jesus who leads the history of our lives. Believe that because of Jesus, our discouragement and despair are changed into hope and joy. wish.
But our problem is haste, haste. Do you know what makes the French liquor cognac famous?
This is because they do not sell the wine they had made in their time, but the wine that their father or his father's father made. Naturally, he will diligently marinate the wine that will now be sold by his descendants. The same goes for the Eiffel Tower. Grandpa designed, father built, son started making money.
The "a little" time that Jesus spoke of may be quite a long time in our world's concept of time. After nearly 20 years of praying for her son, Augustine's mother turned the prodigal son into a saint. So, if we only have the clear assurance that Jesus will come and wipe away my tears and turn my pain into a song of praise, the time we have been waiting for will be “a little bit”.
Verse 24.
“Until now you have asked for nothing in my name, but ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be full.” Even if they did, they couldn't really ask with confidence and faith. But after meeting the resurrected Jesus, you will be able to ask for anything. It is because faith in Jesus was born and conviction was given on the cross.
I came across this article while reading Mother Teresa's book "Everything Begins with Prayer".
“When we are in a modern and well-decorated room, a single switch turns on the light. But if that switch is not connected to a power plant that sends electricity, the light will never come. Faith and prayer are connected with God. There is a wire that exists, and only with this is the work of love is possible."
The belief that Jesus died but rose again and the faith that Jesus loves me with that power will make us have faith to ask for anything from Jesus.
What kind of faith do we live our life with today?
Dear brothers and sisters, I hope that you will all meet the resurrected Jesus. I hope that you will become a disciple of Jesus who can meet and see the resurrected Jesus. “Were you there?” the Lord asks. Where are you? It is a place to meet the risen Lord. I sincerely pray that all the saints will fight and overcome all the problems in life and the rough road of worldly suffering today, meet the resurrected Lord, and enjoy peace and joy.