“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.” – John 16:33
When someone makes a promise to you, do you take that person at their word and trust that they’ll follow through? Or do you treat them on a case-by-case basis, tempering the level of your expectations to their history of keeping their word?
Admittedly, there’ve been times in my life when I’ve made empty promises. Yes, dear… I remember promising you that I would declutter the garage. You don’t have to keep reminding me every six months.
And then there are the promises I make that I really wish I didn’t make, but because I want you to think I’m a great person… Yes! I’d love to come help you move your piano to the second floor of your house on my only day off!
But then there are the promises that I make that I genuinely want to follow through with, but for one excuse reason or another I don’t. And those are the promises I make to myself. I will never do that ever again. Or, I’m really going to do it this time. I’m gonna bite the bullet, take the bull by the horns, and see this thing through.
Now, in the ancient near east, keeping your word meant everything. Very few things were more dishonorable to a family than a family member not keeping a promise, a vow, or an oath. That would leave a permanent stain on the family’s reputation, impacting countless relationships in the community. That is so unlike our culture today, where promises get broken all the time and people just shrug it off like it’s nothing.
With that in mind, let’s look at what Jesus communicated to His disciples in John 16:33, just before His arrest. He told them that trouble is unavoidable. He didn’t sugarcoat it. He didn’t say “maybe” or “sometimes.” He told them flat out – it’s coming, you won’t escape it, it will find you. And He said it because He was preparing them for what was about to happen with His trial and crucifixion.
But I think He was also speaking to us today. He was saying, “Things are going to get really bad. It’s not just going to be respectful opposition – you’re going to be persecuted if you follow Me.”
Now, don’t get me wrong… there are many places in the world where being a Christian comes with a real and constant threat of being imprisoned or even being put to death. But have you turned on the news lately? Ask Erika Kirk about the times we’re living in here in America. It’s real.
There was a time in our nation’s history when even those who didn’t believe in Christ still respected Christians and their values, and got along with them. They may have thought us believers a bit strange, but they didn’t see us as a threat. That’s not the case anymore. More and more, people are offended by the truth. They’re offended by the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Jesus was right – we will have trouble. We see it plain as day today. And it’s not going to get any better. There is so much hatred in our country. So don’t be surprised. Be prepared.
But here’s the good part. Jesus also gives us an irrevocable promise: “I have already won. I have defeated death. I overcame the grave. I secured your salvation, and no one can ever take that away from you. And I see you. And I know you’re concerned. But take heart, don’t live in fear. I promise you that everything you endure on My account will be nothing compared to what’s awaiting you in eternity.”
Humans break promises. But not Jesus. He has given us His Word.
Amen.
Former Blackout Artist 