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.
