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Word from Scotland
by Sandy Shaw
We concluded last week’s study in John Chapter 16 by saying – remain in the Word of God as we have it in the Old and New Testaments of the Bible. That can save you and keep you from years of heartache and disappointment and sadness, and worse!
In verse 16, we come to some sentences which can at first appear a puzzle to some people, where Jesus Christ says, You shall not see me – then you shall see Me. You shall soon see what it is all about. You shall experience me in a new way. You shall see the significance of what is about to happen. Jesus is almost speaking in riddles or parables. Why? Why can’t He spell it out clearer at this point? Everything else has been very clear!
These men appear to be confused and so full of doubts and questions – what a moment for them to be shaken or uncertain. There can be seasons when we are in just this very situation.
Verse 19 – Jesus understands them. He saw their hearts – their distress – their apparent bewilderment. Facing the unknown is seldom easy. Jesus sees and knows and He is so compassionate and sensitive. We now come to the final moments of that final night which Jesus had with His disciples.
Verse 20 – I have told you that no longer are you going to see Me in the old ways – as a physical man – and you shall weep and mourn – and the world shall be rejoicing – and rubbing its hands gleefully. We have got rid of Him! He is dead! That troublesome preacher is silenced! But your sorrow shall be turned into joy, and Jesus goes on to explain all this more fully.
Jesus would have been around when the other members of His earthly family came into the world. Jesus would have been aware of the pain and agony as a baby was born – but as soon as the struggle and anguish is over – as soon as the child is born – there is a transformation on the mother’s face.
You are filled with apprehension and sorrow and anguish just now, but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and no man shall take away your joy.
Jesus turns from the joy of an empty womb to the joy of an empty tomb. Christ is referring to His mighty resurrection.
Sorrow would be turned into joy, and just as nobody can put Jesus back into the tomb, so nobody can take from you the joy that Jesus Christ gives you. This all became so very real after it all happened!
Jesus could see the anguish on their faces during this walk to the Garden. It has been said that Jesus gave them a face lift – and that is what we should receive when we come together to praise and worship, or when you read the Word and pray at home. Jesus Christ gives us a face lift and a faith lift.
“Come in with us and have your face lifted and your faith lifted.” This is what the love of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit can do for men and women.
Verse 23 – In that day, you will not need to ask Me any further questions, because everything will be clearer and more obvious – and you will be free to go to the Father with your requests and prayers – and what you ask in My name he will give it you.
Verse 24 – Ask and receive and be filled with joy. Right to the end Jesus is seeking to comfort those who are His. In their approaching bereavement, Christ wanted them to be comforted.
Verse 25 – I have spoken many proverbs – yes, I have spoken in parables, and they may have sounded like riddles – but soon I will reveal everything to you. All that happened on resurrection day – in about four days time. Jesus kept His Word! The risen Christ appeared to His men – to those whom He had so loved, and He gave them peace and joy and breathed into them the Holy Spirit, and, of course, He taught them to forgive. That is vital.
Verse 27 – Jesus goes on to explain. The Father loves you because you love Me.
Do you need your faith lifted today? Do you need a fresh word from Almighty God? Do you need God to answer your prayer in quite specific way?
Whatever you really need, take time, and make time, to come before Him in prayer, and when He lifts your faith, let it be reflected on your face and by your face.
Alexander 'Sandy' Shaw is pastor of Nairn Christian Fellowship in Nairn, Scotland. Nairn is 17 miles east of Inverness - on the Moray Firth Coast - not far from the Loch Ness Monster!
Gifted as a Biblical teacher, Sandy is firmly committed to making sure that his teachings are firmly grounded in the Word.
Sandy has a weekly radio talk which can be heard via the Internet on Saturday at 11:40am, New Orleans time, at wsho.com.
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