BE OF GOOD CHEER

DAY 128/366

John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

Danger is the possibility of an event that causes harm or injury to happen. Therefore, the fact that there is danger, does not suggest there will be harm. Detailed exploration of this concept in life falls under risk assessment and management.

Reading the words of Jesus today gave even more weight to those of Isaiah , ‘no weapon fashioned against you shall prosper’ (Isaiah 54:17). The amplified version renders todays text “for I have overcome the world” [I have depraved it of power to harm you and have conquered it]. Now Isaiah’s words make sense.

Like the Psalmist walking through the valley of the shadow of death, the three Hebrew boys in centre of the fiery furnace or Daniel who made his bed with lions, these remained confident and unfazed. Not because there was no danger, but because the danger had no power to cause them harm. The rod and staff of the shepherd comforted the psalmist, the fire had no power over the three men, not even to affect the smell of their clothing, and the mouths of the lions were shut while Daniel was in their midst.

There was danger round about, but no harm. That should become our reality because Jesus has overcome the world. This is what we are to remember today: in spite of the tribulation, be of good cheer.

#sly