I Have Overcome!

Jesus said, I have overcome the world. I know that this is not really the end of this dialogue between Jesus and the disciples, but it is a great way to end John 16, is it not?

29. His disciples said unto him, Lo, now speakest thou plainly, and speakest no proverb.
30. Now are we sure that thou knowest all things, and needest not that any man should ask thee: by this we believe that thou camest forth from God.
31. Jesus answered them, Do ye now believe?
32. Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me.
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.

(John 16:29-33, King James Version)

I Have Overcome the World!

I know that this is not really the end of this dialogue between Jesus and the disciples, but it is a great way to end a chapter, is it not? Jesus said, I have overcome the world.

What impact does (or should) that have on our lives today?

How much are we influenced by the world around us? How much are we tempted to become immersed in the life around us, putting our Lord on the back burner, so to speak. Jesus has overcome the world; as Christians, the world should not be leading us by the hook of the nose!

How can we change that in our lives? After all, we live in this world, so we cannot simply ignore it, can we? I remember a song that had the phrase, "We live in the world, but not of the world." I know, it sounds too simple, but that is really what Jesus meant.

The world need not drive us away from God, instead Jesus has overcome the world. Our focus or priority must always be on the Lord. It is Christ we serve, not the world.

How can you tell if the world is taking over your life? Just look at what is important to you. How do you spend your free time? How much time do you devote to coming to Christ and just fellowshiping with the Holy Spirit who dwells within your heart?

I believe that we Christians constantly sell ourselves short by not taking the time to just sit and listen to the Holy Spirit within. It would be good for all of us to learn to meditate. Prayer is not simply about what we need God to do for us, but it is, more importantly, about meditating upon the Lord and building a relationship with Him.

Then, just like Jesus, we will have overcome the world.

Next: Eternal Life - John 17:1-3