I HAVE OVERCOME!

Friday, May 22, 2020

I HAVE OVERCOME!

John 16:33

33 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.

           These encouraging words of Jesus immediately preceded the “real” Lord’s prayer in chapter 17. If you have a red-letter edition of the New Testament you will see that chapter 17 is a prayer – a conversation between God, the Son and His Father. It outlines the protection Jesus requests for His believers.

           The time had come for Jesus to leave his followers in the world and to be subject to the daily torments of simply living here. Jesus knew that “in the world” they would have tribulation. The word “tribulation” is the hard-to-pronounce Greek word thlipsis which means “pressure; afflictions and burdens.” These things would not be removed. They would be endured.

           Next, Jesus claims the power of eternal life and the desire to grant that life to “as many” as the Father had given Him. Since this was a private conversation, Jesus did not reveal just how “many” that would be but John, in chapter 1, said: “as many as received him, to them gave he power [ability and permission] to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: (John 1:12) This could include you. It’s your choice.

           An invisible virus, and a very visible government, has prompted a heated discussion about church attendance but the Bible, in Hebrews 10:25, encourages an increased relationship with church “as we see the day approaching.” 

           Second Thessalonians 2:3 predicts “a great falling away.” The Greek word is apostasia or apostacy and it is preceded by a definite article which makes it “THE falling away.”  This makes it an EVENT rather than a gradual withdrawal. I’m not a prophet, but could THIS be THAT?

           I conclude with a focus on the word “overcome.” It is the Greek word nikao which means “to subdue, conquer, and prevail.”

1 John 4:4

4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

Overcomer, it is a fearful time in the world. Many are cashing in on trouble as surely as a black market arises in a time of war. Let not our hearts be troubled. Let us remember that you have overcome the world. AMEN