When the Sorrow Becomes Joy

Posted by Tim

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

The sky darkened as they went about their work. The wind picked up and the clouds began to roll in. The limbs on the trees began to sway in the wind, and they realized that something wasn't right. They'd been told that there would be a storm, but for some reason they didn't believe the reports. They continued the work that they'd begun. "It won't be long and it will hit," said One.

Soon there was a rumble of thunder. The sky grew even darker. Even more wind blew and in the fields around them things were tossed to and fro. The clouds billowed and the storm grew even closer. "In a little while, a storm will hit," He said. As they looked up, they began to realize there was a storm on the horizon. "Oh, now we understand," came the comment. "What will we do if a storm comes?"

The work continued as they heard even more thunder. Then a bolt of lightening in the distance. "I warned you that it would storm," He said. "But after the storm, it will be calm and beautiful." There was work to be done, and they focused on the task at hand. Still, it grew darker; the wind became even fiercer. "It's almost here; we should prepare," He said.

As the rain began, they left the field and took cover. The sky became black as night. The wind whipped around, lightening, then loud claps of thunder. The rain came in sheets, and they all huddled together.

Then, as He promised, the storm began to subside, the driving rain turned to a light sprinkle, the thunder softened, and soon the sun appeared. The birds reappeared in the trees, and it seemed that suddenly there were flowers and the leaves on the trees glistened. Suddenly, it made sense. "I told you there would be a storm. And after the storm, it would be beautiful." The spring rain had washed away winter's grime and suddenly, it seemed that it was a new day. But what about Him? He's not here? Where did He go? They were sad that they couldn't find their Leader. Still, they were called to continue the harvest. There's work to be done. "Let's go to the fields and get busy."

The closing words in John 16 are filled with Christ's warning, "A little while and you will no longer behold Me; and again a little while and you will see Me" John 16:16. The disciples didn't understand Christ as He told them He'd be gone but would return again. They were frightened by the storm. They took cover. However, after it was over, they returned to their work bringing in the harvest.

"Jesus answered them, 'Do you now believe? Behold, an hour is coming and has already come, for you to be scattered each to his own home, and to leave Me alone; and yet I am not alone because the Father is with Me. These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage, I have overcome the world.'" John 16:31-33

Indeed, He has overcome the world. Return to the harvest.