But I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice,
and no one will take your joy away from you.
We are invited to experience this joy that can not be taken away. It is the joy of the resurrection. All other joy is subject to endings. In all else death holds sway. But not here. This is what comes after those tears. This is the joy is able to last forever.
Suffering is still a part of reality for us. We are like the woman in anguish, still struggling to bring Christ to birth fully in each of our hearts. Creation itself suffers labor pains until the reign of the Kingdom comes in fullness. But even though there is a not yet to this joy it is possible to have an ever greater experience of it here and now.
On that day you will not question me about anything.
Amen, amen, I say to you,
whatever you ask the Father in my name he will give you.
That day is this day. Christ is Risen. The Spirit is given. We are invited to enter by faith into the not yet, into the fullness, into joy which the world cannot take away.
We are able to speak about Jesus and go on speaking about him because the risen LORD is truly with us. Jesus holds us in the palm of his hand. No one can hinder has plans for us. No one can take us from his hand. All things work together for the good of we who are loved by him and called according to his purpose.
Do not be afraid.
Go on speaking, and do not be silent, for I am with you.
No one will attack and harm you,
for I have many people in this city.
Let us go on speaking of Jesus, not only without fear, but with the fullness of joy that makes our witness compelling.
God mounts his throne amid shouts of joy;
the LORD, amid trumpet blasts.
Sing praise to God, sing praise;
sing praise to our king, sing praise.
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