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. John 16:33
We just finished talking about idols of the heart in Connect class last Sunday. Idols are anyone or anything that seek to take the place of God in our lives. When we honestly examine our hearts in the light of Scripture, we will find that we are harboring idols or at the very least we have people or things that are bordering on becoming idols. The fact that we will fight this battle against idolatry the rest of our lives can be overwhelming. At these times it is important to look to God’s Word to find help and strength so that we are not overcome.
Jesus knows that we will stumble and sin. At the beginning of this passage, the disciples had just expressed the fact that they thought they truly believed Jesus and what He was telling them. Peter had also recently stated that he would never deny Jesus. The disciples did not have any intention of failing or falling short; however, Jesus knew that they would. He told them that they would all desert Him and run away. These men who had just said they believed wholeheartedly would scatter as Jesus was betrayed. Jesus told them that He knew they would do this. However, this is what is key when we look at our battle against idols of the heart. Jesus did not tell the disciples of their impending failure to shame them or to make them wallow in guilt. Jesus told them these things because despite their shortcomings, He still loved them. He chose them. He told them these hard and difficult things so that they would have peace in Him. Despite their failures, they would find peace in Him. They did not find peace in going out in doing penance or working hard to get back into good standing. They would find peace in Him when they repented, admitted their failures, and turned back to Him.
The disciples thought they understood Jesus’ words; they thought they had finally understood what He was teaching them. However, they were still trusting too much in their own strength and understanding. It was not until Jesus was betrayed, beaten, crucified, and resurrected that that they would begin to understand what He was teaching them. They would not find peace in their actions or works. They would only find peace in Jesus.
As we look at our own lives and our battles against sin and idolatry, we often depend too much on our own understanding and strength. God does not need our help to overcome the world or to tear down idols. We need His help to overcome the idols that seek to take our attention away from Him. He has already won the victory, He has overcome the world. We will have tribulation and hardship in the world. We will only truly find peace in Him. If you find yourself overwhelmed with your battle against idols or sin, turn to Jesus. Repent, admit your sin and weakness, and find peace and victory in Him.
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:15-16
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