Consequences

I came in to work a while back to learn that someone had broken one of our windows. I ran through all the usual thoughts you have when you discover something like this—wondering all the who’s, what’s, and why’s.  Maybe it was an errant landscaper throwing rocks with a lawnmower, maybe it was one of the young bucks we see wandering around getting mad at his own reflection and charging, or maybe it was just a random act of vandalism.

After the second time, we’re pretty sure that it’s option three. We have a camera on it now, but the damage is done, and we’ll need to get someone out here to fix it. There are times in our lives when we need to solve problems we didn’t create, and fix things that we didn’t break. It’s like getting rear-ended while waiting at a stop light, you did what was right and then someone came along and ruined your day.

Jesus, in John 16 is preparing his disciples for what’s going to be happening over the next few chapters. He tells them that he must leave but a helper is coming in the Holy Spirit who will help lead and guide them after Jesus has fulfilled the beginning of his purpose on Earth. In verse 33 he tells them, “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.”

If you’ve been conscious and aware for any length of time, you’ll know that the world can be a pretty hard place to live in at times. We need to face the consequences of our own decisions, and sometimes the consequences of other people’s decisions. Through it all however, we know that the one who has overcome the world is on our side.

It is so easy to be discouraged and downhearted when we face the disappointments of the world and the tasks that get thrust upon us by others. However, if we pause and remember the God who is on our side we can be invigorated by the knowledge that Jesus has already overcome it all.