Broadcast
A Little While - Part 4
John 16:21-22
05/15/2025
21 ``When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow
because her hour has come, but when she has
delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the
anguish, for joy that a human being has been born
into the world.
22 So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you
again and your hearts will rejoice, and no one
will take your joy from you.'' (ESV)
The Royal Air Force and the state of Kansas have similar
mottoes. While the Royal Air Force says, ``Per ardura ad
astra,'' Kansas intones, ``Ad astra per aspera.'' Those in the
blue suits with silver wings say ``Through adversity to the
stars,'' and the Sunflower State replies, ``To the stars through
difficulty.'' Both would appreciate Jesus' words as He taught
His disciples.
``When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because
her hour has come, but when she has delivered the baby,
she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a
human being has been born into the world. So also you
have sorrow now, but I will see you again and your
hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from
you.''
While we are in the little while between Jesus' Ascension
and His return, we indeed have sorrow. Each person knows the
grief of separation, the fear of the unknown, the concern for our
daily bread and shelter and clothing. Christians and non-
Christians alike suffer tragedies and setbacks. For those who
have rejected God's gift of love, grace, and mercy, the pains and
sorrows of this life seem unending. They have no hope. For
those who have faith in Jesus, these same pains and sorrows are
but a little while, something which can be tolerated because
there is a positive end in sight. Jesus is coming to take His
people to live with Him forever.
The joys of this world are fleeting. Even as we bask in the
sunlight while on vacation, we know that work awaits, thus our
earthly joys are tempered with the cares of this life. But in
Christ Jesus we have the hope of the resurrection and life
everlasting, that joy that can never be taken away. May our Lord
grant us the hope which brings us the true joy of His grace and
mercy. Amen.