Death Row

Imagine someone on death row, about to be executed, offering comfort and encouragement to those around him. That’s essentially the backdrop for these words:

"These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” (John 16.33)

Jesus, on the night He was arrested, leading up to His crucifixion, was focused on the well-being of His disciples. Deeply troubled concerning what He was to endure, He nevertheless was confident and optimistic because of the overwhelming victory His Father would bring in and through Him. As such, the apostle Paul could later write: “ For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8.38, 39)

So, the question begs to be asked: What’s troubling you today? Not to try and minimize or make light of our problems but, in light of the overwhelming victory promised to us, do we not have every reason for confidence and optimism? Indeed we do! Even He who faced death, the ultimate obstacle, could speak with confidence of the victory of resurrection.

The challenges of the day and moment are indeed real, and can seem insurmountable, but the perspective of ultimate victory is basis for confidence and hope. May we meet the challenges of the day with faith, and exude optimism through hope.

©Steve Taylor, 2015 --Used by permission

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