READING: John 16-19
We’re pushing toward the Christmas season (just check out the store displays already), but today’s reading and devotion take me more to Easter. Jesus told His disciples what was soon to happen—”In a little while, you will no longer see me; again in a little while, you will see me” (John 16:16)—and they responded in a way that often reflected their reality: “We don’t know what he’s talking about” (John 16:18).
In the grace Jesus so often offered His confused disciples, He explained more to them. The time would come when they would weep and mourn in deep anguish, and the world opposed to Christ would rejoice. But, the mourning of the disciples would somehow turn to joy. We know, of course, that Jesus was talking about His crucifixion and resurrection to come. The former would break the hearts of the disciples, but the latter would turn their sorrow to joy. In fact, the resurrection would bring such joy that it would overshadow the suffering of the cross.
I’m reminded today that God specializes in turning sorrow into joy—what is agonizing today can produce rejoicing tomorrow. Our job is simply to trust Him and praise Him in both situations.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: Are you dealing with sorrow today? If so, are you trusting Christ?
PRAYER: “God, I praise You for turning sorrow into joy.”
TOMORROW’S READING: John 20-21, Acts 1
