April 28, 2010
John 16
Pastor Stan Wilson
There is a famous parental proverb that has been passed down through the ages. As children, we heard it. As parents, we’ve spoken it. These familiar words of wisdom have been spoken before a necessary discipline or when a child is facing one of the hard blows of life, and goes something like this: “You may not fully understand this now, but one day you will. This is for your good.” I’ve often used these words with my own children, and each time they seem to invoke the same blank stare of disbelief. It was if I were speaking a foreign language.
We find a similar situation when reading John 16:7. Jesus spoke to His disciples and said, “But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away.” Notice how He stamped the words of His departure with, “It is for your good.” Because they were filled with grief, it becomes easy to conclude that there was some level of disbelief. Perhaps the disciples thought Jesus was speaking a foreign language. After all, how could it be good that His teaching and miracles would end? What good could come from His arrest and trial? What good could possibly come from being mocked and beaten? What good could come from His death? Even though the disciples didn’t understand, Jesus did. He had the perspective of seeing the bigger picture. He understood that His departure really was for their good and even though difficult to hear, the words must be spoken.
Is God doing something within and around you that you don't understand? Has grief filled your heart? If so, God isn't mad at you. He isn't punishing you. He wants to show you how all the situations that you are facing are for your good. Remember, He sees the bigger picture of your life.
Did you know? Pastor Stan and his wife Cammie recently celebrated their 26th wedding anniversary. It all began with a summer camp romance at Camp Courtney in Hendersonville, North Carolina.
