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Today’s Tribulations

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The assassination of Charlie Kirk has shaken us all.  A young man struck down while trying to engage in dialogue with students at Utah Valley University; a follower of Jesus murdered; a husband and father taken from his family.  It’s as sad as it is disturbing!

And that happened on the eve of 9/11.  Thursday was the 24th anniversary of the attack on America that gripped our national psyche and catapulted us into a War on Terror.   I remember vividly the wave of instability we suddenly felt on that sunny Tuesday morning when the Twin Towers collapsed. 

All of this brings us to a place today where Jesus’ central warning in John 16:33 is so very fitting.  “In the world you will have tribula­tion.”  We will, and we do. 

Followers of Jesus will face trials and troubles and pain and “tribulation” this side of heaven; it comes with the territory.  The Apostle Peter even says, “Don’t be surprised” as if suffering were something strange to encounter in this life (1 Peter 4:12).  And, of course, tragedy strikes non-believers all around us as well—unsaved neighbors we’re called to love. 

So it’s a great help that Jesus brackets his warning with words of comfort.  Here is John 16:33 in full:  “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace.  In the world you will have tribulation.  But take heart; I have overcome the world.” 

Notice that Jesus’ sobering statement is sandwiched between words of hope:  in Christ we can experience peace—yes, peace, even now, despite today’s frailty and unknowns.   Jesus’ followers are called to “take heart”—and not just someday in glory:  rest in his comfort now.  Why?  Because he has “overcome the world.”  Satan won’t be allowed to wreak havoc indefinitely—he’s a defeated foe whose days are numbered.  In fact, one day every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord! (Phil. 2:11).  Amid today’s tumult, then, trust Jesus and spread his love.

Peter Nelson

Senior Pastor
Peter and his wife Cheryl moved from Chicago to West Chester in 2006 with their three children and...

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