Read John 16:14-
God shares everything with Jesus and when he left earth he sent the Holy Spirit to share everything with us. The disciples could not understand "in a little while you will not see me." That phrase "a little while" means a small degree of time. That small degree of time lasted 3 days. Jesus died and 3 days later appeared to them and taught them even more. How many times do we pray for God to do something and he just wants us to wait a little while,while he is arranging everything to bring the answer. Jesus was busy during those 3 days. He was preaching to those in captivity that had died before. He was taking the keys of the kingdom back from the devil. He was ascending on high with his followers; he just wasn't idly watching the disciples mourn. God has a strategic plan that is set to his time table and his time table is perfect. His plan turns our sorrow to joy.
Jesus gives them the example of a woman in labor. It is painful at the time but the reward is so worth the pain. Jesus knew the next few days would be extremely hard for the disciples but he promised them that their sorrow would be turned to rejoicing when they see him again. When all this happens they will have access to God themselves just by using his name. They had never used the name of Jesus in prayer but now he is telling them to use it to receive what they wanted. Jesus' name is the key. Jesus basically explained to them again that he was from the Father and would return to the Father, and they got it this time. Now Jesus could tell them the hard part: they will be scattered and leave Jesus by himself but they were not to worry because God will be with him. He leaves them with the blessing of peace and one of my favorite verses: "In the world you shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."
That is our promise. Thank you Lord for your precious promises to us. In Jesus name, we ask you to prepare us for your coming.
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