Hope from the Victory of a Promise

(Read John 16)

By Contributing Author

According to NIH, hope is “defined as a concept that suggests a greater emotional component than mere expectation.” We can survive many days without food, but not a single day without hope. Many people glean hope from things they can see or touch, or from a future shaped by human hands and efforts. For a Christian, our greatest hope comes from the victory our savior delivered on the cross. This devotion centers on the impact Jesus Christ’s promise has had on my son’s Christian walk.

“‘I have said these things to you in figures of speech. The hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figures of speech but will tell you plainly about the Father. In that day you will ask in my name, and I do not say to you that I will ask the Father on your behalf; for the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. I came from the Father and have come into the world, and now I am leaving the world and going to the Father.'”
John 16:25-28

My son has always been a pleaser. As a child, he would normally do what was right to make mom and dad happy, rather than to avoid being in trouble. He grew up in a traditional denominational church with weekly Communion, Old and New Testament readings, and traditional liturgical observances. “I always appreciated Biblical readings in church, but I’m not sure I appreciated the full meaning of them,” he admitted, until a weekend in his senior year of High School. During a three-day weekend retreat focused on spiritual renewal and formation, Jesus’ words came to life. There was an added emphasis on Christ’s servanthood as a lifestyle with an application to everyday life. “We learned about our brokenness. There wasn’t anything we could do to replace it but through Jesus’ resurrection, it was made right.”

In John 16:31-33, Jesus was preparing his disciples for dark times ahead. He was also setting them up to be confident, encouraged, assured in their futures. Prior to this talk with his disciples, Jesus would normally teach them in parables or figurative speech. This was a departure. They had matured enough and were ripe enough to hear the plain truth. There was no better way for Jesus to provide this immense source of spiritual hope in their lives. There was no better way for them to be trained for the trials ahead.

My son’s outlook on his life, specifically, his Christian life changed dramatically that weekend. The foundation of his life was no longer viewed through a prism of looking at himself or centered on pleasing others. He learned a perspective with a higher motivation. His motivations became things that would glorify God and God’s will. “My life as a Christian, at this time, became harder,” he told me. “There was more magnitude to all my decisions,” he added. Before this time, my son’s choices were for his good or his pleasure. “Now, as a Christian, all my choices have consequences.”

“‘Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me.'”
John 16:32

I don’t exactly know when I noticed that my son had embraced his life in service to Jesus Christ, but it was obvious when I noticed it. He wanted to attend a Christian-based college, but engineering majors were pretty limited in that niche of higher eduction. Of course his plans and God’s plans didn’t always mesh according to my son’s liking. He attended a well-known engineering school in upstate New York. It was not a party school by any stretch, but it offered a very secular environment. Despite the non-religious atmosphere of the university, he served 4 years in InterVarsity – a campus ministry of students and faculty growing in their commitment to Jesus Christ. His last two years were spent in leadership positions. Instead of being in a safe, more isolated Christian collegiate environment, he blossomed as a Christian disciple in the more godless wider world.

Shortly after graduation, he dropped a bomb on my wife and me that he wanted to serve in a world-wide music ministry. We wanted him to concentrate on his career and, as usual, God had other plans for him. He would serve in Taiwan for a month and then dedicated the next year to a United States mission with a trip to Hong Kong. Again, we didn’t understand this spirit driving him, but our son did. It was all for the glory of God. There were a lot of uncertainties in his life, lots of trials and tribulations. Somehow, some way, Christ’s faith gave him armor and courage.

“‘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.'”

Jesus’ disciples got the unveiled message that apart from Him, they would be limited in their lives. They would be limited in what they could accomplish, limited in their ability to resist temptation, and limited in the outcome of their lives. Jesus wants us to believe in ourselves, as long as we understand where our success and accomplishments come from. Jesus was not only telling his followers that they will suffer great distress, but warning us that as followers of Christ, we will likewise suffer. There is no promise of perfect peace and tranquility in this world. We will face trouble ahead. “But take heart; I have overcome the world.” Jesus told his disciples that he had already won the victory. It wasn’t an iffy proposition. It was a done deal.

When Jesus spoke these words he hadn’t yet faced his trial in the Garden of Gethsemane. He had not yet been abandoned by God. And yet, he had already conquered the world. Jesus’ encouragement to take heart and be courageous was backed up with the assurance regarding his own sacrifice.

“I love John 16:33 because it’s a reminder that I got this. With Christ, I can handle anything.” My son continued, “it gives me the reassuring hope that despite anything that comes my way, Jesus is with me.” I asked him if people might know he’s a Christian and he believes it’s evident. “I’m faithful to the opportunities that God presents me with. I do my best to use the fruits of the spirit I’ve been blessed with.” Despite the ongoing challenges of being a husband, father, and obedient Christian in this fallen world, he continues his devotion to service to Christ. He and his wife serve regularly at their church and give equally of their time, treasure, and talents. His wife even left her career in marketing to serve on the production team at their church.

What’s truly awesome is that my son recognizes that, his courage comes in the finished work of Jesus, not his own ability or will power. He embellishes the joy and peace that come with a relationship with Jesus Christ. As a Dad, I’m equally proud of both my children. I’m not proud of my son because of anything I’ve done to shape his commitment. I’m not proud of him because of his talents or merits. I’m not proud of him because he’s my son. I’m proud to witness the Holy Spirit’s presence in his life. I’m equally proud of all believers who have surrendered their lives to our savior. There is true courage in trusting in something not of our own will. The bravest people I know are Christians. Lowering ourselves in submission to our God, releases our will. It removes our version of control. Submitting to God’s will gives us hope beyond all things. It gives us strength and armor and confidence beyond all understanding.

When I see my son play with his daughter. I see a lot more than a happy father. I see a son of Christ, a believer. I see a man who knows his place in God’s perfect plan. I see good cheer, confidence, and courage that was not always apparent in him. Jesus Christ promised a permanent victory over death and I’m in awe of the hope which that delivers in our lives and eternally grateful when he calls us to it.

“The only way we’ll ever stand
Is on our knees with lifted hands
Make us courageous
Lord, make us courageous
We were made to be courageous
Lord, make us courageous”
Casting Crowns

Key Applications

1. A closer relationship and understanding of what Jesus can do in our lives comes from worship, study, and prayer. Have you ever spent an extended period of time in prayer? On several occasions, I had volunteered to serve on all-night prayer teams. At first, I thought there’s no way can I do that. Surprisingly, after 30 minutes or so in the quiet of the night, I found an amazing clarity in my prayer time. It was some of the most powerful prayer I’ve ever experienced. Consider devoting one day this week to an hour of prayer. If that’s not possible, set your alarm for some time in the middle of the night and pray. Pray over scripture, a family member, friend, or problem. You will experience a closeness with Jesus you may have never seen before.
2. Do you feel emboldened by your relationship with Jesus? Does your relationship make you feel stronger, does it give you peace and hope? If so, focus on where those reassuring feelings come from. Pray and thank him for your future and thank him for all He’s done for you. If you’re not emboldened by your relationship with Jesus Christ, ask him to come into your heart. Ask him for specific needs. Pray for courage and certainty.
3. Are you facing trials in your life? Look to the Bible for answers and hope. There are answers to all of life’s problems in the Bible. This week, read Matthew 16. Consider the disciples and what they had witnessed from Jesus and what troubles they would soon face. Do you think Jesus’ encouragement gave them hope — true hope? Take heart, be courageous. You can face any trial boldly with Jesus Christ

Where else in your life can you live out the teachings of Christ? Look for next week’s Devotion.