This morning I am reflecting on some interesting verses from John. These are some of Jesus' last words, and as such, very direct, at least it seems that way to me. Here are the verses - John 16:1-11 NIV:
[1] “All this I have told you so that you will not fall away. [2] They will put you out of the synagogue; in fact, the time is coming when anyone who kills you will think they are offering a service to God. [3] They will do such things because they have not known the Father or me. [4] I have told you this, so that when their time comes you will remember that I warned you about them. I did not tell you this from the beginning because I was with you, [5] but now I am going to him who sent me. None of you asks me, 'Where are you going?' [6] Rather, you are filled with grief because I have said these things. [7] 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. [8] When he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment: [9] about sin, because people do not believe in me; [10] about righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; [11] and about judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned."
My first though on reading this is how this does not seem to be much of a pep-talk! Jesus knows the next few days are going to be very rough, but the outcome of it all will be salvation for the world. However, the personal cost will be beyond great, and the impact on the Apostles and other followers will be catastrophic. Jesus understands that they still don't grasp the reality of what He is about, or how it will unfold, and He is trying His best to prepare them.
They ere expecting Him to be crowned Messiah and King, to establish a real Kingdom, with His throne in Jerusalem. Jesus tells them, actually a time is coming when people will think killing you is God's will.
They were still expecting that He was going to be around for the dawning of this new era for the Jews, leading it and establishing it. Jesus tells them, I am going away and the Father will send the Advocate in His place.
Jesus sees that His words are starting to cause them grief, and seeks to reassure them that it is actually better this way! And in restrospect, it absolutely was the better way, but that didn't mean there wasn't going to be a struggle and difficult times ahead.
Now imagine if the following was our message at church this coming Sunday:
I am beginning this sermon, in the hopes that You will not abandon the church or God, and run fleeing out of fear. A time is coming when people will hate you because You are a follower of Christ, and they will think that by killing you that they are serving god. They will do all these things because they don't really know Jesus or the Father. Although we would like to stay and strengthen you, its better that we leave You and go to the Father. But in our place, the Father will send You the Holy Spirit, and He will guide you, and bring conviction and understanding about sin, righteousness and judgement. The coming of the Holy Spirit won't negate any of the things we are warning you about, but He will fill You with His power, which will strengthen You.
This was probably the sermon the Christians in Afghanistan heard last week.
Oh Lord, help all of those who are being persecuted and are full of fear and grief. Send Your Holy Spirit to them to strengthen them, guide them and protect them as only You can!
Come Quickly Lord!
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