Thursday, 5 September 2019

Take heart

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Question of the day: Consider Yeshua's last words in John 16. John 16:33 "These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have shalom. In the world you will have trouble, but take heart! I have overcome the world!" What does it mean "I have overcome the world?"

Answer: The Hebrew New Testament uses the word Netzach for "overcome." This is not the modern Hebrew word for overcomer. The word Netzach means preeminent in an eternal way. It is usually translated "forever" or "forever supreme."

Yeshua wants us to know about His death, resurrection and the promise of the Holy Spirit for our Shalom. He knows the news of His death will be heartbreaking, so He commands us to have Shalom.

He tells us to "take heart" because He has become the preeminent one for eternity. In fact, the Hebrew word for "world" (Olam) can mean eternity. Olam also means universe which is eternity in space.

Yeshua has become the preeminent One through His death. Sounds counterintuitive until you consider His resurrection. Through His resurrection Yeshua overcame death, not just for Himself, but also for we who believe. So He tells us to "take heart." In fact, the promise is, John 16:22b "... and no one will take your joy away from you!" Amen!