Prior Information - Pt. 6
Rev. Osei Kwabena Nkrahene | August 26 2024 | John 16:1-4
KEY VERSE:
“But I have said these things to you, that when their hour comes you may remember that I told them to you.” John 16:4a (ESV)
MESSAGE:
Today we will take a look at the second crucial word ‘Remember’ in our key verse. Jesus asked His disciples to remember His words when difficult times came. Did they remember as Christ anticipated? I believe they did and amazingly.
The "these things" Jesus referred to were the trials and challenges His followers would face. By forewarning them, He prepared them to be forearmed. In Acts 4:17-31, we see this preparation in action. When Peter and John were threatened not to preach or teach in Jesus' name, they boldly questioned whether they should obey God or man. The entire congregation responded by turning to prayer, drawing strength from Psalm 2, and asking for boldness while God performed signs and wonders. In Acts 5:17-21, after being imprisoned, the apostles were miraculously released and continued preaching. Stephen, another example, was falsely accused and, despite facing death, delivered a powerful testimony with a shining face, ultimately forgiving those who shabbily treated him. (Acts 7:51-53). The early Church, having been warned about the coming hatred, was ready. Stephen’s martyrdom did not deter them; instead, it propelled the spread of the Gospel to new frontiers. (Acts 11:19ff).In Acts 12, even as James was killed and Peter imprisoned, the Church remained steadfast in prayer, resulting in Peter’s miraculous release. The chapter concludes with the death of King Herod, the tormentor, and verse 24 poignantly brings the contrast: “the word of God increased and multiplied” (Acts 12:23-24).
Further in Acts 16:19-34, Paul and Silas were imprisoned, but instead of despairing, they prayed and sang hymns. God responded by opening the prison doors and breaking their chains, leading to the salvation of the jailer and his family. The concluding verses of Acts affirm the ultimate victory of Christ and His cause: “[Paul] proclaimed the Kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance” (Acts 28:30-31).
Certainly, the Church remembered what Jesus Christ told them - the difficulties ahead but also remembered that He was in it with them unto victory. FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
Being true to Christ and His mission comes with a cost. This truth remains unchanged for the modern Church.
PRAYER:
Lord Jesus Christ, help Your Church to reorient our minds and hearts toward You and Your mission. Amen.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
DAILY word study: REMEMBER
The Greek word for "remember" is "μνημονεύω" (mnēmoneuō), which means to call to mind, to recall, or to be mindful of something that was said or done. Jesus uses this word to emphasize the importance of recalling His teachings and warnings when the disciples encounter difficulties.
Jesus highlights that His previous warnings about the coming persecution are meant to serve as a foundation for the disciples’ faith when facing trials. This "remembering" is a form of spiritual preparedness, enabling them to remain steadfast and not lose faith when confronted with hostility or suffering.
Reflections
How can you actively recall and apply Jesus' teachings in your life, especially during moments of difficulty or uncertainty?
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