5/22/2015

Take Heart!

 

John 16:33 ^“These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” (NASB)

 

These are some of the last words spoken by Jesus to his disciples before he went to the Cross, he was trying to prepare them for what was to come, and while they heard him, they did not quite comprehend what he was telling them. 

 

First what were “these things” that Jesus spoke to his disciples?  He had just had a very lengthy conversation with His people. He spoke of many things, but mostly, that there would be trouble ahead.  They would be kicked out of the synagogue, and some would be killed.  He also said that He would be leaving them. They would morn and weep, and they would be scattered. 

 

Finally He said, “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace.”  Our peace comes from Him, and Him alone, and it is a peace that passes all understanding.  I have felt this peace at some of the darkest times in my life.  It is a peace that washes over you, and calms you when you should be a complete wreck, but you are not, instead, you are able to stand and face whatever comes your way.

 

Jesus said “In this world you will have tribulation, but take courage.”  I am quoting from the NASB, and some translations use the word “courage”, others use the word “heart”.  So we are to take courage, or take heart.  Whichever word you like, it is preceded by the word “take”, which is an action word.  Courage is a gift, just as peace is a gift from God.  It is there for us to take, but the key is we must take it. 

 

Jesus goes on to say that, even though there is trouble in the world, He has overcome the world.  This gives us hope, and a reason to take heart. 

 

I am including lyrics to the song “Take Heart” written by Joel Houston of Hillsong United.  They say so poignantly about all that God has overcome on our behalf when He went to the cross so that we can take heart.

All our troubles and all our tears

God, our hope, He has overcome
All our failure and all our fear
God, our love, He has overcome

All our heartache and all our pain
God, our healer, He has overcome
All our burdens and all our shame
God, our freedom, He has overcome

All our troubles and all our tears
God, our hope, He has overcome
All our failures and all our fear
God, our love, He has overcome

God, our justice, God, our grace
God, our freedom, He has overcome
God, our refuge, God, our strength
God is with us, He has overcome
Hillsong United - Take Heart Lyrics