Devotionals for May 17, 2023
NLK Discipleship Camp will be on June 12-16! CLICK HERE to hear more info.
READ
JOHN 16:19-24
Jesus saw that they wanted to ask him about this, so he said to them, “Are you asking one another what I meant when I said, ‘In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me’? Very truly I tell you, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world. So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy. In that day you will no longer ask me anything. Very truly I tell you, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.
REFLECT
Jesus spoke these words to His disciples before His betrayal, arrest, and crucifixion. But three days later, He conquered death, returning to the disciples and completing their joy. We’re waiting in a similar period of grief: As we wait for Jesus to return again, we grieve over sin and evil in the world. Though our hearts are troubled at times, Jesus has poured His Spirit into us. Though the days are hard, we can pray. We can worship. We can hold onto true joy knowing our King has conquered sin and is returning again one day to restore all things.
APPLY
Q: Why does Jesus use the imagery of childbirth in this passage?
Q: Reflect on what is discouraging you today. How can you bring it as a prayer to God?
Q: How can you reflect the joy of Christ to those around you?
SING
“Easy & I Could Sing of Your Love Forever” by Elevation Rhythm
PRAY
"Give us today our daily bread."
Lord, thank you providing for everything I need today! You are my foundation, my true joy. Help me to trust in you completely and to reflect your joy to my friends, family, colleagues, and your church. Amen.
READ
JOHN 16:19-24
Jesus saw that they wanted to ask him about this, so he said to them, “Are you asking one another what I meant when I said, ‘In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me’? Very truly I tell you, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world. So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy. In that day you will no longer ask me anything. Very truly I tell you, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.
REFLECT
Jesus spoke these words to His disciples before His betrayal, arrest, and crucifixion. But three days later, He conquered death, returning to the disciples and completing their joy. We’re waiting in a similar period of grief: As we wait for Jesus to return again, we grieve over sin and evil in the world. Though our hearts are troubled at times, Jesus has poured His Spirit into us. Though the days are hard, we can pray. We can worship. We can hold onto true joy knowing our King has conquered sin and is returning again one day to restore all things.
APPLY
Q: Why does Jesus use the imagery of childbirth in this passage?
Q: Reflect on what is discouraging you today. How can you bring it as a prayer to God?
Q: How can you reflect the joy of Christ to those around you?
SING
“Easy & I Could Sing of Your Love Forever” by Elevation Rhythm
PRAY
"Give us today our daily bread."
Lord, thank you providing for everything I need today! You are my foundation, my true joy. Help me to trust in you completely and to reflect your joy to my friends, family, colleagues, and your church. Amen.