Vessels of Comfort Lifeline for TodayMonday, January 29, 2024

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

This 16th chapter begins with Jesus warning and comforting his disciples about the things to come. He talks about the days ahead, even referencing a time when those who kill the disciples will think that they are doing God’s will.  He goes on to talk about the coming and roles of the Holy Spirit and His work in their lives.

Jesus has more grim news for them as we close this chapter. He tells of the time when each of them will scatter and leave Jesus alone. But He encourages them by telling them to be of good cheer, He has overcome the world. 

Well, what does this mean for you and me? These words of Jesus were certainly occasional for the place and time they were experiencing, yet there are some lessons we can appropriate in our day. Many believe that we are in the end of this age and that tribulation will certainly be on the rise. The earth experiences birth pangs as it prepares for the second coming of our Messiah. 

What does this mean in 2024 for the children of God? It means that we pay attention to what is going on around us, and we ask the Holy Spirit to help us discern the most appropriate course. Despite where we are in the end of the age, we would be wise to focus on our edification. Colossians 2:6-7 says, “As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted, and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.” We must prepare ourselves to grow in the Lord, so that we are ready for anything else that tries to attack us and the church in this present age. 

MEDITATION: Holy Spirit, give me the tools needed to walk in You, rooted and built up in You and established in the faith, as I have been taught. In the name of Jesus, Amen.