Overview of: JohnToday's Reading:
John 16:5-33
"The Spirit, the Father, and the Son"
Focus Verses: John 16:33
33 "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
Insight:
With the imminent approach of his death, resurrection, and return to the Father, Jesus gave his disciples important promises and provision. He promised to send the Holy Spirit who would convict the world of sin and guide them into all truth. He promised that though they would face grief and trouble, he would sustain them, and ultimately their grief would turn to joy. He promised them that they could make requests to God in his name, and that God would provide for them and make their joy complete. He promised them that though in this world they would see trouble, they could take heart and live in faith, being confident that he had overcome the world.
Response and Action:
I need to look to the Holy Spirit for truth, guidance, and understanding. I need to hold on to Christ Jesus through every hardship and grief. I need to find hope in Jesus, trusting that God hears and answers every request I offer up to him in Jesus' name. I need to remember that though troubles are a certainty in this broken world, Jesus has overcome the world and will one day set all things right. I will take courage and comfort in these promises.
O God, thank you for the Holy Spirit who convicts, guides, teaches and renews me. Thank you for the promise and hope I have in Christ. Help me to take courage as I face troubles and hardship, and help me to overcome through faith in Jesus. O God, sustain me by your Spirit. Redeem and renew all things through Jesus. May your kingdom come and your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.
Old Testament for Today: Psalm 85:6-9
6 Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you? 7 Show us your unfailing love, O LORD, and grant us your salvation. 8 I will listen to what God the LORD will say; he promises peace to his people, his saints—but let them not return to folly. 9 Surely his salvation is near those who fear him, that his glory may dwell in our land.
In Context: Psalm 85
Proverb for Today: Prov. 28:5
"Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the LORD understand it fully."
Recommended Reading:
Father, Son and Spirit: The Trinity and John's Gospel
by Andreas J. Kostenberger
