In looking for a “joy” gem in my Bible reading, (something I like to do several times a week), I found this passage in John 16, that gives us a special insight into how Jesus tried to prepare His friends for what was to happen at that particular Passover.
He said to them plainly as they shared their last Passover meal together, “In a little bit you aren’t going to see me any more, but after a little while you will see me. In fact,” He added, “You are going to weep and mourn while everyone else is rejoicing. But hold on. Your grief is going to turn to fantastic joy.”
Jesus said their switch from grief to joy was going to be like a woman in childbirth. The pain is horrible, but afterwards, when she sees that baby, the mother is filled with great joy and happiness. It’s all worth it then.
Because we know how the events played out - like knowing the end of the book or the movie, - we marvel at the denseness of these disciples or friends. But they didn’t know what He was talking about. We might say they had no clue. Yet that is exactly what Jesus was trying to give them in this conversation. Plain truth clues.
So I am asking myself now, am I ever so obtuse? Does God ever try to make things plain to us, and we just don’t get it?
It’s time we sit up and pay more attention. We whine that we don’t know why certain things are happening, but maybe the Lord Jesus has been trying to let us know and we just didn’t clue in.
That horrible Passover weekend has become our happy Easter weekend in countries where Christians are predominant. For that matter, even in areas where Easter is not politically correct, individuals can celebrate it Easter and Christ’s resurrection their hearts.
Easter weekend is almost upon us, and many people go through their traditional celebration exercises - perhaps even mindlessly. Some make sure chocolates and eggs, and new spring outfits show up at the right times, either as gifts or for themselves. In some families it means a big gathering with plenty to eat. Lots of visiting.
I prefer to pause and see if there is some spiritual truth gem I can open my eyes to, and start living by. In this passage I think is the very gem for me this Easter. I’m willing to share it with you here, if you don’t mind ignoring the eggs and bunnies, and feasts.
Jesus told His friends that you are going to have a hard time here for a bit, but the joy that follows will be out of this world and so marvelous that you’ll forget all the pain you’ve gone through. Just think; it was true for Him, and it was true for those poor disciples, and hallelujah, it can, and is going to be true for us too! We can experience this transformation in our lifetime, and then the ultimate JOY when we arrive in Heaven.
If you are going through a period of suffering that seems like the blackest night, please take heart. Joy comes in the morning! It will totally eclipse your present torment and sadness and grief. If it doesn’t happen in your lifetime, rest assured it WILL happen when you wake in Gloryland.
I’ve decided to pay attention to the contrast of grief and joy this Easter weekend. It will show up in various programs and the Easter morning drama at church, I’m sure. But I also want to listen for the personal applications the Spirit of God may want to reveal to me.
May you get your portion of that wonderful joy too!
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