“BE OF GOOD CHEER”

John 16:33

As Jesus’ life and ministry was about to end on earth, He spoke some touching farewell words to His apostles (John 14-16).  As he concluded these words, He warned them saying “but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”  (John 16:33)  This being a time of the year when “GOOD CHEER” is proclaimed by those who supposedly commemorate the birth of Christ, it is in order to consider these precious words of Jesus.

This farewell message by our Lord to His disciples began as it concluded, with words of comfort; “Let not your heart be troubled:” (14:1). It is punctuated with admonitions to believe, continue in prayer, profess our love by keeping His commandments, to ever abide in Jesus as branches of the true vine, and endure the persecutions that will come from following after Him.  Though Jesus clearly spoke here of His quickly approaching death and departure from the earth to go back to the Father, warning of the persecution His followers must endure till His return.  He also declared He and the Father loves us, and that the Comforter (Holy Spirit) will guide us through the Word, assuring us His peace with God and victory over the world if we will be His faithful followers.

How wonderful, that in spite of the horrible death our Lord had to endure, and the many persecutions His followers have endured and continue to endure, trouble is lifted from our hearts and good cheer takes its place!  Why do we have good cheer in our hearts, while promised tribulation in the world? Because we have peace with our Father in heaven through Jesus our Lord, and the promise of victory over the world through faith in Him (See also I John 5:4-5).

“BE OF GOOD CHEER”!    In Christ we have peace with God, and though we shall have tribulation in the world, through Him we shall overcome the world!

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