“Do Not Be Filled With Grief!”

“Do Not Be Filled With Grief!”
In the good old days when travelling overseas was a scarce commodity it used to be a thing of joy and sorrow. Family members will gather together to pray for journey mercy. Those who went to the airport shed tears as they waved the last goodbye. But their tears were tears of joy. They knew their social statuses in life will change because they now had somebody abroad.
In the face of the worldwide lockdowns caused by the COVID-19 pandemic scare, some parents are licking their wounds because of the loans they took to send their children abroad. They had hopes that the children once abroad would start sending cars and other used goods which will be sold to improve the families’ economic statuses. Alas!
The disciples of Jesus were “filled with grief” when he told them of his intended departure. Jesus – like the person travelling abroad to greener pastures – assured them, “But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you” ( Jn.16: 5-11).
The promised Counselor (Holy Spirit) “convicts the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment…” (Jn.16:5-11). When we ignore the teaching of Jesus and continue to go our own way, it is a sign of not believing in him.
Paul reminds us that the gospel which is a righteousness from God has been revealed to make possible the scripture that “The righteous will live by faith” (Rom.1:17). The Counselor convicts the world of righteousness because Jesus is going back to the Father. There no-one can see him, but those who are righteous will live by faith.
The Counselor equally convicts the world of judgment because the preaching of the message of salvation is the end of the reign of Satan. Satan and his kingdom has already fallen; though he is still using his last breath to fight through the unbelief of the hardhearted!
The words of comfort to us today is that Jesus has gone for our good. He is where he intercedes for us. He has gone so that the Holy Spirit should come to us and do his work. The Holy Spirit comes to give us the completeness of the Blessed Trinity – Three Persons in One God. Therefore, do not be filled with grief. In other words, “Be Joyful!”
Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ I trust in you because any decision you make is for my good. Amen!
Have a blessed day! Peace be with you!