866 Why Take Heart? - John 16:33

What do we need courage for? What's the point of courage?   "I have said these things to you, that in me you may peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." John 16:33 ESV   Here is another passage about taking heart. Several translations say "take heart," while others say "take courage." Others translate it "be of good cheer." We might say "be encouraged."   Jesus is headed to the cross. This is the night he is taken into custody. In hours he will hang on a cross. Judas is in the process of betraying Jesus as he speaks. Two verses before this, he challenges the eleven, "Do you now believe?" Then he reminds them again, things are about to get bad. This is all coming to an end.   Then he reminds them that he's still in charge and they can take courage. This isn't passive. They had to choose. Judas made his choice. Now every one of them will have to choose. We must choose, too. We are to choose courage, heart, or cowardice and selfishness. We choose with Jesus or without.   Will we let our circumstances cause us to focus only on ourselves? Or will we choose heart? Will we make a positive difference in the lives of others. Will we love God and love people, or will we protect ourselves. Will we ignore others and focus on our schedule, our commitments, or will we make time to appreciate, serve and value others?   We formed a community for believers who want to take courage. It's called Follower of One. It's filled with people who want to take courage and they know sometimes they take courage, and sometimes they receive it. That's what a community is. We want our faith to be the source of our energy, our strength and our actions. We help one another through interactions either in the Marketplace Mission Trips we do, or by praying for and interacting with one another. Why not check it out. Head over to https://community.followerofone.org and join us.