“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33
What profound comfort these words hold for us!
It is said that the famed Italian violinist Paganini went before his audience only to discover the violin he held was not his. When he excused himself from the audience and went backstage to find his violin, he discovered someone had stolen it and left the old one in its place. He returned and said, “Ladies and gentlemen, I will show you that the music is not in the instrument, but in the soul,” and proceeded to play as never before. Out of that secondhand instrument, exquisite music poured forth. The audience was enraptured, their applause almost lifting the ceiling!
The peace Jesus kept promising the disciples would be deep in their souls, like Paganini’s music. Life in this world would be as shabby as an old violin. But Jesus said He had overcome the world. After His resurrection when He gave them His Spirit, they understood. Then their turmoil turned to peace. They’d have an eternal calm which lies too deep in the soul to be reached by any external circumstance.
It is said that the famed Italian violinist Paganini went before his audience only to discover the violin he held was not his. When he excused himself from the audience and went backstage to find his violin, he discovered someone had stolen it and left the old one in its place. He returned and said, “Ladies and gentlemen, I will show you that the music is not in the instrument, but in the soul,” and proceeded to play as never before. Out of that secondhand instrument, exquisite music poured forth. The audience was enraptured, their applause almost lifting the ceiling!
The peace Jesus kept promising the disciples would be deep in their souls, like Paganini’s music. Life in this world would be as shabby as an old violin. But Jesus said He had overcome the world. After His resurrection when He gave them His Spirit, they understood. Then their turmoil turned to peace. They’d have an eternal calm which lies too deep in the soul to be reached by any external circumstance.
Scripture Focus
John 20:19-29
Insight
Are you overcome with trouble? Ask Jesus to show you what’s blocking His peace, the peace that passes all understanding.
Bible In A Year
- Judges 20-21
- Psalm 119:1-88
- 1 Corinthians 12
