OUR CONSTANT SOURCE OF CONSOLATION AND STRENGTH

BY IRMA F. MATRAI

When our children were small, we always tried to prepare them for any future happy or scary events, which may have caused them concern or worry. Thereby we tried to protect them from unnecessary anxieties, or discomforts. For example, when their grandmother from Budapest came to visit us, we didn't plan to make that event a surprise; rather discussed the matter with them ahead, and even prayed with them for her trip. Then, when I was going to have a surgery, we let them know that ahead of time also. Therefore, by the time I entered the hospital, they were not nervous anymore. On the contrary, Eniko even prepared a plan which listed all the chores each of them were going to do in my place, while I was gone, so that life may continue smoothly in our home.

Jesus did the same with his disciples. He told them ahead several times that he will be betrayed, tortured, and crucified. But also added that in three days, he will come back to life. In other words, after telling them the horrible things that were going to happen to him, he also told them the hopeful outcome of his resurrection, so that they may not be dismayed when they hear of, or experience his death. For example: in Matthew 16:21 (NIV) we read: "From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life." In addition, before his crucifixion he even told them that - although he will go back to the Father - he will not leave them comfortless. For God, the Holy Spirit will come down to take his place; who will be able to be all over the world, and live and work in each Christian's life, at the same time. In other words, that it will be even better for them than if he stayed, because he could only be in one place at a time; since he was living in a human body, like ours, on this earth; while the Holy Spirit will be able to be all over at once. Furthermore - before his crucifixion - he also told them that - in spite of the fact that he will go back to Heaven; one day he will come back for his own, when he said: "In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me." (John 16:16 NIV) Thereby providing them and all Christians ever since, with a source of consolation and strength till his return because they/we may be encouraged by the fact that at the return of Jesus they/we will enter into an eternal peace and joy in Heaven. Personally, I already found great consolation and strength during some of my dark hours, when I remembered that the Savoir may come back any moment! How about you?

However, the disciples and the followers of Jesus didn't comprehend, or believe his message about his suffering, death and resurrection. Therefore - after his crucifixion - instead of waiting for his resurrection with a hope-filled heart; they locked themselves into a room, and/or cried. In John 20:11-18 (NIV) we read: ...but Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus' body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot. They asked her,
"Woman, why are you crying?" Who is it you are looking for?"
Thinking he was the gardener, she said, "Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him" Jesus said to her, "Mary." She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic,
"Rabboni!" (which means teacher). Jesus said,
"Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet returned to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, "I am returning to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God."
Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news:
"I have seen the Lord!" And she told them that he said these things to her.

In other words, when the disciples locked themselves up, and Mary saw the empty tomb; neither of them thought or said that the Lord probably came back to life; as he predicted. That's why he was not there. Instead, they were miserable and tearful when they could have been rejoicing already! Similarly, when we don't take the Lord's promise seriously, we too may be dismayed and depressed; instead of peaceful and hopeful. Although we could trust in his word which was meant for us as well saying: "...after a little while "you will see me." And find miraculous consolation and strength in them!
I know. I experienced it. For it is only about one month ago that I lost my husband. I have an open wound. Still, when I purposely concentrate on the fact that only "a little while" and Jesus will come for me, and then we will meet again, and live without pain or problems with him forever; I find great consolation, peace and strength, and start to sing:

O, troubled heart, there is a home,
Beyond the reach of toil and care;
A home where changes never come;
Who would not fain be resting there?

O wait, meekly wait, and murmur not,
O, wait, meekly wait, and murmur not;
O, wait, O, wait, O, wait, and murmur not.
Yet when bowed down beneath the load
By heav'n allow'd, thine earthly lot;
Look up! thoul't reach that blest abode,


Wait, meekly wait' and murmur not.
If in thy path some thorns are found,
O, think who bore them on His brow;
If grief thy sorrowing heart has found,

Wait, meekly wait' and murmur not.
Toil on, nor deem, tho'sore it be,
One sigh unheard, one pray'r forgot;
The day of rest will dawn for thee;
Wait, meekly wait' and murmur not.
No. 232 in the American-Hungarian Hymnal. By: W.H. Bellamy and Wm. J. Kirkpatrick

Before Jesus was crucified and before he went back to heaven, he told his disciples that both of these painful events will end in great joy. In other words, he provided them with a powerful source of consolation and strength; ahead of time. Thus, they could have stayed peaceful and hopeful even during the worst of situations. After his death they could have kept their door open, and their eyes dry; and since his ascension they/we could avoid being dismayed during our trials because we could be sure that he will come back for us and then we will not suffer ever again. Rather spend eternity with him in Heaven. However, do we make good use of this great source of encouragement and strength?

If you already invited Jesus into your heart; then this source of consolation and strength is yours also. Therefore, make sure you make good use of it! If, however, you didn't invite the Lord Jesus Christ into your heart so far, then - asking him to forgive your sins - please invite him in now. In which case his promise of coming for you will be yours immediately also, and will console and strengthen you throughout your life!

How wonderful the Lord is in all His acts!
Glory to His Holy Name!

JESUS IS MY LIFE
(song)

Jesus is my life, strength, peace.
Jesus is my companion, my joy.
I trust in You. You are the Lord.
I do not have any fears any more because You live in me.
I do not have any fears any more because You live in me.

Jesus lives! Halleluja! MARANATHA!

Translated by Eva Varga

Mátrainé F. Irma: ÁLLANDÓ VIGASZUNK ÉS ERŐFORRÁSUNK



BIOGRAPHIES, STORIES and TEACHING

Some experience with ill people by Istvan Gazdag

Edit by Rozalia Makai    http://www.vargamakai.com


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