Take Heart

As we enter this Lenten season, we focus more and more on our spiritual selves. We intensify our worship, we intensify our attendance at mass, prayer meetings or zoom calls because we understand that Lent is when we need to focus on Jesus as we prepare to celebrate His death and resurrection.

But we want to add some clarity to our focus. Sometimes, our understanding of Jesus is uniquely based on our own experience, so that we see Jesus only through our own experience. There’s nothing wrong with our experience, but we need to be open to letting our understanding of Jesus grow from what God’s Word says about Him.

Up until the time Jesus came to Jerusalem in His triumphant entry, the disciples saw Him in his earthly role. The disciples had seen Jesus as a healer of blind eyes, the man who calmed the storm, and one who had fed the 5,000, however these were just a small part of what Jesus had come to do. In Jerusalem, we see a bigger picture of who Jesus is. He came to fix our most serious problem, which is our separation from God because of sin. Jesus came so that we may have eternal life and the peace that comes from a personal relationship with God. John 16:33 (NIV) “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.”

Jesus said to the disciples “I have overcome the world.” Have you ever felt like the whole world is coming down on you? That things you have depended on all your life are being ripped away such as your job, your finances, your health, your relationships, and countless other things. Just like the disciples in this scripture, you are grieving about what you have lost.

During the Passover, Jesus explained to his disciples that the time had come for Him to leave, but He would send the Holy Spirit to be with them. The disciples were very upset and began grieving His loss that very moment. How could He leave them? What was He talking about? Jesus told them that His purpose had to be fulfilled. John 16:7, 13-14 (NIV) “But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will glorify me because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you.”

Jesus informed the disciples that trouble would come their way. He was letting them know in advance of any surprises, but not to worry, for He had overcome the world. He was crucified and then arose on the third day that we may have eternal life with Him. There is no one greater than Jesus. He has overcome evil, the job situation, health, bills, and any worries that may come your way. He did not say that you would not have trouble but “take heart” for He has overcome the world.

Take whatever you need before the Lord in prayer. He is listening and providing for us all day and all night. This is a promise that you can stand on and allow it to comfort you in difficult times.

Marvin Sapp, “I Believe What You Told Me”
https://youtu.be/wVbZzgybaJ4?si=PlJf5l1Jv2BBkVLm

Marvin Sapp, Fred Hammond, and Kirk Franklin “Reunion Tour”  https://youtu.be/q6rJ7_pr0vM?si=hWIH4F76fWgAnFqW

We Love You,

Pastors Willie and Rochelle McIntosh

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