I recently enjoyed a visit from pastor Zeddie Muzungu from Calvary Chapel Kampala in East Africa. I asked my friend, who has visited the United States on numerous occasions, what he finds curious about America (or Americans). Zeddie did not hesitate in his observation that Americans are arguably the most blessed people on the planet (economic prosperity; military power; freedoms of speech, assembly, and religion) but we complain more than any other people he has met. As an aside, my friend was gracious enough to exclude me from the indictment so that I need not rehearse everything I said during our visit. His observation may aptly fit this cultural moment.
I am not a sociologist, anthropologist, psychologist, or philosopher, but as a cultural observer, and aspiring theologian, I am pondering what might be a root cause of this condition, and what might be the antidote? In essence, where can we discover true contentment and comfort?
The problem(s): I suspect that too many of us have bought into the world’s message that sufficient possessions, provisions, power, and prestige will result in contentment and joy. And when they do not deliver, we are disappointed, discouraged, upset, and we let others know about our unmet expectations.
Furthermore, as a philosophical construct, even in a highly developed country, the joy and suffering scales are pretty much balanced 50/50 in the best of circumstances. You cannot insulate yourself or those you love from suffering. So, how can you justify bringing a child into this world knowing that they will suffer?
The antidote:
“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
These words recorded in the Upper Room are a triumphant conclusion to His commencement address. The words of Jesus recorded beginning in John 13 came at the conclusion of a three-year discipleship intensive, and hours before the cross. John 17 records Jesus’ prayer for the eleven and all subsequent followers of Jesus. John 16:33 is not only a triumphant declaration but a source of comfort and hope, as well as a revelation of where we can discover contentment and comfort. So, let us try to unpack the verse and discover keys to unlock the elusive contentment and comfort.
The inescapable reality of suffering: What are these things that Jesus alluded to? He had forewarned His followers of coming persecution (John 15:18-16:4), and assures them of suffering when He declares, in the world you have (or will have) tribulation. We are forewarned that the human experience in this stage of the kingdom in a fallen world will include trouble, severe trials, burdens, afflictions, and distress. In a word – suffering! Try as hard as we might, we cannot escape this condition. This is a promise of Jesus that we may be loath to embrace, but until we accept the reality rather than attempt to escape the reality, we cannot discover contentment and comfort.
Jesus’ offer of contentment + comfort: In Me you may have peace. The language of the New Testament is common Greek, but the context of Jesus and the original disciples is Jewish. In essence, they may speak Greek, but they think like Jews. Thus the Greek word translated “peace,” irene, lacks the fullness of the Hebrew shalom. Shalom is the condition of wholeness, or rest for the soul, that we would describe in English as contentment. Jesus is offering contentment in Him. The implication is that the world in original Edenic condition was very good, but in a fallen state is characterized by good and suffering. Yet, contentment is available in Christ, contentment that transcends the experiences of suffering. In essence you can discover contentment in Christ, but you will not find it in this world.
Despite suffering, we can be of good cheer. The Greek term is not referencing joy per se, but comfort. Not the comfort of a hug or cozy blanket on a cool evening, but comfort in the sense of encouragement and strength.
Jesus has overcome the world: This is the reason we can experience contentment and comfort in Christ. The Greek term nikao translated “overcome” refers to victory and conquest (as well as an athletic apparel brand). Jesus’ victory ensures victory for His followers. But what does it mean that He has overcome the world?
First, and this seems like a really big one, He has defeated death. His resurrection turned sorrow to joy (John 16:19-22), and removed the sting of death (1 Corinthians 15:55). I have no fear of death (although there are some concerns about the method). I do not mean this to sound morbid, and I love my life, but I am looking forward to leaving this world and being in the one to come with Him.
Second, He has overcome worry and anxiety (John 14:1, 27). Let not our hearts be troubled. Jesus’ teaching in the Sermon on the Mount is the most profound manifesto the world can contemplate, and He spends an inordinate amount of that message telling humanity that we can stop worrying. Here, in the Upper Room, He bookends the thought. His victory means we can stop worrying.
Third, He has overcome spiritual forces opposed to God and the power of sin. While we shall all struggle with our flesh this side of eternity, His victory ensures we can progress in our overcoming of sin and spiritual forces opposed to God.
Fourth, He overcame the world’s false narrative that sufficient possessions, provisions, power, and prestige will result in contentment and joy. Contentment and comfort and joy are in Him.
Fifth, He overcame the paradox regarding the philosophical conundrum whether it is right to bring a child into this world knowing that, even under very good circumstances, they will essentially experience suffering and joy on a 50/50 balance. The gospel changes the dynamic and tips the scales because it offers the opportunity to experience a heavenly eternity. In essence, you cannot enter that world without first entering this world. And despite the reality of temporal suffering, there is the means to unlock contentment and comfort in Him that transcends suffering.
So, maybe there is reason to contemplate our complaining and consider where our expectations are unrealistic in light of Jesus’ triumphant declaration.
