From Grief to Joy
I have told you these things, so that you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. Jesus (John 16:33)
What “things” is Jesus talking about–that he told them?
Christ had just shared the news that he was soon to be betrayed and arrested, falsely accused and convicted, and then brutally executed. Furthermore, as these events unfolded, most everyone listening to this unwelcome monologue would run for their lives.
Yet He told them these things so that they could have peace.
Peace!?
Absolute worst-case scenarios don’t usually include serenity.
But Jesus knew the WHOLE story: 72 hours later He would be alive again and the disciples’ grief would turn to joy.
It’s likely you’re already familiar with the story, so I’ll get to the point.
Isolation is cured by authentic community.
The disciples were cowering behind locked doors for fear of arrest, until the risen Christ Himself came knocking. Isolation changed to authentic community the second someone turned the bolt!
Once united, these former frightful believers in Christ soon turned the world upside down (Acts 17:6)!
I bet, like me, you’ve experienced everything from rock bottom grief to over the moon joy. Here’s the good news: Christ said one day it will ALL be joy, because the Prince of Peace overcame the world and started the most authentic community EVER!
If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other. Mother Teresa
David Duncan is an elementary music teacher in Oklahoma. He has a bachelor’s degree in music from Cameron University, and a master’s degree in religious education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is currently pursuing a second master’s in educational leadership.
David is an ordained Southern Baptist minister. He was a full-time minister for 14 years before becoming a teacher in 2004.
He enjoys writing music. In addition to his 39 self-published songs, he also has written 215 blog posts found at the link below. You can find his music videos found at the link below.
Blog: https://davidsdailydose.org/
Music Videos: https://youtube.com/channel/UC3HDgrpsLaCYywrOvknFygA
Photo by Aaron Burden on Freely Photos
0 Comments