In Me!

In Me!

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. John 16:33 KJV

Jesus used 5 whole chapters - John 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17 to teach the disciples the principles of his kingdom. From the very start, it is clear that the call of God upon a life brings him/her in direct opposition to the world. If you ever think that you can align with the world's systems and still be able to please God, perish that thought. All that Jesus taught in these chapters are core principles that go to the foundation of his call upon my life, his expectations from me, and the eventual end to all of these things. I will do well to consider what He says, and take necessary action.

Today's extract makes it clear that for all of us, there are 2 possible locations or residences at any time. However, there is one small but fundamental point to make: 1 location is the standard for all men, the other is a choice that all men must make. Both locations have got their pros and cons, but when you consider the eternal implications of both locations, you get the need to critically examine your life again to see where you need to be. 

First, the world. All of us were born into it. We learnt life in it, and some of its nuances have rubbed off on us. We learnt from books, we learnt the way the world works. We knew and obeyed its laws and we clearly understood the threats of punishment if we broke its standards and laws. However, there is yet another location: IN Jesus. This is a second location; one that all in the world can also be, if they choose to. You see, the world has got multiple laws, but it cannot guarantee peace. It can direct action and control behaviour, but it cannot address the foundational problem of sin in man's life. It has all the gadgets and technology to make man's life simpler, but it cannot address the problems of the soul, which is the core of man, and is the one that is destined for judgment at the end of this present earthly phase.

The world guarantees tribulation, like the one the world is passing through now. Medicine, science and technology can only do so much and are being stretched at the moment. But Jesus guarantees peace, the sort that the world can never understand or duplicate. Please note that nowhere does Jesus promise that in Him, all tribulations cease; He only promises us His peace in the midst of the distressing circumstances. He does not say wars will suddenly cease, or that problems will automatically go away; He just promises peace.

Sounds ordinary, but for all who have experienced this peace, they wouldn't trade it for all that the world offers. For all who have tasted the pure joy that God's assured presence gives, they wouldn't trade it for all the world's presents. It matters if you have experienced it before or simply heard about it. It is that guaranteed peace that helps you face the guaranteed tribulations the world has. Do you have that peace? Has the world battered you so much that you need a place of refuge and protection? Only IN Jesus do you have that option. The world can't give you because it doesn't have it; you only give what you have. And the assurance by Jesus further comforts, when he declares: "I have overcome the world".

The cross and the empty tomb are symbols of this victory over the world. It is because He died and rose again that we can face the world and declare victory over its threats. So, where are you: just in the world and not IN Jesus? Remember, the world, as we know it, is changing, and one day, life as we know it now will cease to exist. Physical death is part of the world's package, and when it happens, we have to then face the judgement seat of God. When you stand there, would you be found in God, or just the world? Eternity is too long a time not to be sure of where you will spend it. His time of favour is here.