Perspectives

John 16:16-24… 16) Jesus went on to say, “In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me.” 17)  At this, some of his disciples said to one another, “What does he mean by saying, ‘In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me,’ and ‘Because I am going to the Father’?” 18) They kept asking, “What does he mean by ‘a little while’? We don’t understand what he is saying.” 19) Jesus saw that they wanted to ask him about this, so he said to them, “Are you asking one another what I meant when I said, ‘In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me’? 20) Very truly I tell you, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. (NIV)

Our cities are crowded. And yet, there are more lonely people who live pointless, purposeless lives than ever before. Why? What is causing this emptiness deep within our soul? Perhaps the answer is simple. Humans are spiritual creatures. We are made in the image of God. And because of this, there is within us a thirst for communication. We are made for involvement with God and other people. Yet for too many people, this spiritual hunger and thirst is never satisfied. Out of our desperation we cry, “My God, why have you forsaken me?” Loneliness is a crisis of life, which periodically affects all peoples, even Christians, but Christianity speaks to the crisis of loneliness.

And so tenderly Jesus tells them, “That he will be leaving them; but, He is going to be coming back”. There will come a day when Christ’s reign will be fully known. But before that, the Disciples of Christ are likely to go through terrible things, with pain that feels or seems unbearable. However, when we faithfully endure, the blessings will be overwhelming.

There may be a time when it looks as if to be a Christian brings nothing but sorrow and loneliness, and to be of the world brings nothing but joy. But Jesus tells us that the day will come when the roles are reversed. The world’s careless joy will turn to sorrow and the Christian’s apparent sorrow will turn to joy. The Christian must always remember when our faith costs us much that this is not the end of things and that sorrow will give way to joy.

The joy the world gives is at the mercy of the world. The joy, which Christ gives, remains eternally independent of anything the world can do. The joy found in Christ is complete. In everyday life, the greatest joy still often leaves something to be desired. A loneliness or emptiness remains. Perhaps, there is lingering regret, a grudge, a chip on the shoulder, that nagging thought that the good times will not last is always at the back of our minds. In Christian joy, the joy of the presence of Christ, there is no tinge of imperfection. It is perfect and complete.

Let’s just consider for a moment that the symptoms of one’s loneliness maybe, the refusal to accept one’s reason for being. Moses wrote, “And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul” Gen 2:7(NIV) God did not speak man into existence; He personally became involved in man’s creation. Then he breathed his life into man, which made people unique among all creation. People came to possess what no other creature could claim: a consciousness of God. Not only do people know that there is a God, but they could also communicate with him

Therefore, a person’s reason for being is somewhat twofold: it involves communication with God and each other. When people have a right relationship with God through Christ, they come to possess a new sense of values regarding their fellow humans. There will be a new relationship with God. When we really and truly know God, we are able to go to him and ask him for anything. We know that the door is open; we know that his name is heavenly Father; we know that his heart is love. We are part of a family unit that never would suspect that their Father would be displeased to see them or that they could talk to him as they wish. In that relationship, Jesus says we may ask for anything with in His will… To God be the glory great things He has done.

Would you pray this prayer with me …”Lord Jesus, come into my heart. Forgive my sins. I want my life to change. My thoughts and my attitude need to change. I do not have the peace in my heart that I yearn for. I really want that Peace, joy and happiness that will fulfill my heart’s desire. Please let the Holy Spirit help me be the kind of Christian that will honor Your Name.” Amen.