01 Apr Peace Amidst Chaos
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. ~ John 16:33 (NIV)
A global threat.
A world in chaos.
And a people looking for hope.
Sounds a lot like April 2020, right?
But did you know it also captured first century Israel’s sentiments under the oppressive Roman Empire as Jesus prepared to take the cross? In the Upper Room as He observed the Passover, Jesus encouraged His disciples with four sentences captured in 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.”
In short, we can experience peace amidst chaos. Using the four sentences Jesus spoke, here’s why:
I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.
Jesus repeatedly warned His disciples of His pending death which was now imminent: He would die tomorrow. And their world was going to turn very dark, literally (Mark 15:33) and figuratively (Luke 22:53). Yet, Jesus assured His disciples that they could rest in His peace, even amidst chaos.
In a fallen world, we are no strangers to declining health, broken relationships, or prolonged unemployment. There are often times of prolonged darkness. Yet, Jesus assures us that we can rest in His peace, even amidst chaos.
In this world, you will have trouble.
High taxes, famines, and even religious persecutions were widespread in Jesus’ day. Within the past 100 years, global wars and pandemics are highly deadly but unfortunately recurring. In contrast to a global level, many of us suffer at a personal level with depression, fatigue, and even addictions.
Personally, I lost both my parents at age 63 to horrific diseases, nearly lost my beloved bride to medical issues over a six-year trial, lost my job three times, and lost most of our retirement savings. Yet how God miraculously worked through these trials! Then as now, Jesus affirms we will have trouble in this world. Expect it.
But take heart!
“Take heart” means to be courageous, to regain your courage. Jesus isn’t prescribing a misplaced confidence based upon ourselves or others. He also isn’t telling us to ignore our troubles. He is asking us to take heart by placing our hope in Him, because Jesus stands above time, space, and earthly circumstances.
And Jesus knows the biggest victory ever is coming…
I have overcome the world.
This is the Good News!
Jesus’ disciples could anticipate the Good News, but we can celebrate its fulfillment!
Jesus conquered the grave: He lives!!!
And because Jesus overcame the world, we can live forever with Him by simply confessing our sins and accepting His free gift of eternal life (Romans 10:9-10). Jesus paid it all!
Moving Forward
Let there be no doubt: the COVID-19 pandemic is deadly, debilitating, and seemingly unbounded. We need to listen to and pray for our healthcare professionals and political leaders who are doing their best to address this latest global pandemic. We all play a vital role in keeping our families safe and not surrendering to fear.
But during this time of extended stay-at-home orders, consider these helpful ideas:
- In anticipation of Easter Sunday, read the Gospel of Mark.
- for our world, our nation, and our families to draw closer to God.
- All seven of us are home, and we couldn’t be more joyful!
- social distancing may be the new norm, but we still need each other.
- If you need some ideas, ask your spouse for a list!
- My son Braden painted the image above which I love! How about you?
- Jesus has overcome the world, and He’ll help us overcome COVID-19!
Remember, we can have peace amidst chaos, because our God is sovereign over both the macroscopic universe and the microscopic COVID-19!
Serving our risen Savior together,
Travis L. Zimmerman
Pastor, Co-Founder
