PEACE DURING TRIBULATION
“Look, an hour is coming and has already come when you will be scattered,
each to his own home, and you will leave Me all alone.
Yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. I have told you these things
so that in Me you may have peaceG1515. In the world you will have tribulation.
But take courage; I have overcome the world!”
John 16:32-33
After following Jesus for three years, the disciples finally “got it” that Jesus was no mere man. He was sent directly from God. However, after their excited revelation, Jesus brought them back to the reality that they would flee in fear that very night; but He followed this prediction with a promise of peace. The following is a note from Charles Swindoll’s Insights for Living Commentary:
Jesus predicted the disciples would abandon Him, undoubtedly thinking of this as the fulfillment of Zechariah 13:7 (cf. Matt. 26:31; Mark 14:27). He said the “hour” was coming and indeed “has already come.” At that moment, the mob gathered by Judas had already begun to light their torches. Soon, they would surround Gethsemane. (51)
Zechariah 13:7 Awake, O sword, against My Shepherd, against the man who is My Companion, declares the LORD of Hosts. Strike the Shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered, and I will turn My hand against the little ones.
Matthew 26:31 Then Jesus said to them, “This very night you will all fall away on account of Me. For it is written: ‘I will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’
Mark 14:27 Then Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away, for it is written: ‘I will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’
We know the rest of the story. Judas led the soldiers to the garden and identified Jesus by kissing Him on the cheek. Peter cut off the ear of one of the High Priest’s servants, but Jesus healed the man. After Jesus was bound and taken from them, the disciples high-tailed it in different directions. How did these frightened, scattered sheep become the bold ambassadors of the Gospel? The peace Jesus promised them came after the resurrected Jesus appeared to them as they were gathered, huddled in fear that they, too, would be arrested. Having seen Jesus die on the cross and then appear before them, not as a spirit, but as a man they could touch and who could eat with them, they were convinced that He was the Messiah. However, their true boldness came after the Holy Spirit entered them in the upper room at Pentecost. That same Holy Spirit is who enables us to have peace in the middle of difficult circumstances and stand boldly for Jesus even when persecuted. Charles Swindoll, again, gives insight into “peace”:
Jesus further promised that “in Him” we may have peace. This peace is not only peace with God (Rom. 5:1), but the subjective kind as well. Despite the chaos of living in a hostile world, we may experience tranquility. However, this too is conditional. Like joy, peace is available, but we must choose it. We choose peace when we choose to believe that Christ has “overcome” the world. (52)
Ton Evans explains why we can be bold in our faith:
16:33 Regardless of how the world beats you down, you have reason to live with bold faith because Jesus is the sovereign King over the world. He has defeated sin, Satan, and death. If you’re a believer, your eternity is secure. And Jesus has the power to overrule your earthly circumstances. Knowing this truth and maintaining an intimate relationship with the Lord will radically change your perspective as you face whatever obstacles come your way. (53)
Are you able to be calm, to have peace, even when life seems to be throwing you curve ball after curve ball? Are you able to stand still and see how the Lord will work these situations for your good and His glory? Or are you still frantically panicking when the storm rages? Do you believe that Jesus has overcome the world? I (Susie) am sometimes a panicky person, especially when it comes to financial troubles or a loved one’s medical crises. I have to remind myself to take a deep breath and pray to the One who can restore my peace. I have to remind myself that Jesus is Lord of all, everything I experience in this world is temporary, and ultimately all is well because Jesus has overcome the world. When the times of trouble come, and they will come, reflect on this statement, “But take courage; I have overcome the world!” When the storms of life rage against us, we must remember that even though we are not sure how all the pieces fit together, God is working all things for our good and His glory whether it feels like it at the time or not.
Father, thank You that because of Your mercy, grace, and power, we can have peace when everything around us seems to be falling apart. When we feel alone in our battle, help us to remember that You are with us always. We need to stand firm in our faith rather than feebly in our feelings. We need to be still and know that You are God.
Worship opportunities: Tennessee Ernie Ford singing “Stand by Me”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c6axoy_MPj4
CeCe Winans singing “Never Lost”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cl8EzT0vAcs