John 16:16-22  Jesus told His disciples that the Father gives "all things" to the Son.. and the Son  gives to the Spirit.. and the Spirit would disclose it to them. This connection.. this oneness.. is what He came to provide for all who would believe. There is nothing like this outside of God.   Jesus spoke and acted only what the Father said and did.  The Spirit would remind and teach His disciples these truths. He guides us into the fulness of the Word of God.  Let us wrap our minds around this and cling to this revelation that Christ has brought to us. 

Jesus spoke again to His disciples on that fateful night.. "A little while, and you will no longer behold Me; and again a little while and you will see Me. "   It was like a riddle to the disciples.  They couldn't figure out what He was talking about. They kept trying to solve the riddle, but were truly confused.  In a few hours they would understand the first part.. for He would go to His death and be laid in a borrowed tomb.  It would be three days later before they would experience the second part of the riddle..  "your sorrow will be turned to joy"!!!! 

Jesus illustrated this change by telling how a woman has "travail" in childbirth but as soon as that baby comes, she forgets all about the anguish "for joy that a child has been born".  In the same way, they were about to go through a sorrowful time.. the anguish would be real.  ".. but I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice, and no one takes your joy away from you." 

One of the most joyful times in a woman's life is when she holds her newborn child in her arms. There is nothing like that feeling.. when a new love fills your whole body, soul, and spirit with a joy like no other. This kind of joy, Jesus told His followers, would be theirs in " a little while."  Imagine the disciples in that room when Jesus appeared!  When they finally realized that He was there in their midst.. what great joy!  It is hard for me to grasp how great that must have been.  We weren't there.  But.. one day.. Jesus will return.. and we will be with Him and we will rejoice for all eternity!  Yes, we are living in a world where there is trouble and anguish, and sorrow.. but in just " a little while" we will be with Jesus!  Joy is ahead.. let us not forget it!

Father in heaven, hallowed be Your Name!  May Your Kingdom come.. Your will be done!  May we enter into the joy of the Lord where we will serve You, singing praises and worshipping You with every breath.  What a day that will be!  Keep our eyes on Jesus.. holding on to these truths.  Spirit of truth teach us and guide us through the Word of Christ Jesus, to the glory of the Father. Amen.