JESUS OF ALL COMFORT

 

John 20:1-2

Where do you find comfort when life, or things are not going

the way you hoped or planned. There are many answers to that question, and I wanted to see first how the world looks for ways of comfort. 

This is what I found the world is saying to each other.

Reread a favourite book

Eat a guilt free treat

Do something easy and meditative

Call a close friend

Listen to lullabies

Sleep with a stuffed animal

Limit the amount of time of media you consume.

Escape into nature when at all possible

Allow yourself to be vulnerable

 

Then you have individuals like this that don’t care about finding comfort, as this one writer wrote, “I find comfort in the idea that life is meaningless and there is nothing after death. If there is no god, than there is no god. If there is a god or gods, I like to think that they have no concern for us whatsoever, that we are just a product of the infinite university that they've created. That there is nothing after death. I like that. It gives me a sense of freedom and control over my own life. I don't have to worry about following someone else's teachings or morals in fear of a hell. I am free to live my best life on my own terms and morals. To do what I believe is right and to improve the world around me the best that I can before I die. That u can do whatever u want without worrying about something being "forbidden". I don't want life to have a meaning that I have to follow. I want to create my own meaning.

 

Unfortunately, this individual isn’t alone, especially when it comes to the afterlife, and present-day society. But! For the believer we find a great amount of comfort when we rest

in the supply of God’s grace over our lives. Desiring God Ministries wrote in an article, “When grace gets a hold of a people, it does remarkable, unexplainable things in us. Grace confiscates peace, and instills peace. Grace levels fear, and grace kindles fear. Grace rips away comfort, and grace produces comfort.

 

Why is it important for us to understand that Jesus rose again?

Why did He rise again in the first place?

The ultimate answer is that Christ rose again to triumph over sin and death. Its this event in history that finalizes the redemption story for the believer; and comforts us daily, as we continue each and every day. This event in time reveals to us our future hope of eternal life; but also, brings us present comfort, in a already chaotic world system.

 

Paul wrote to remind us that our greatest comfort comes from above. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ.” 2 Cor 1:3-5

 

One Theologian wrote, “The idea of “comfort” implies at least two parties: one who gives the comfort and one who receives it. It also implies a need—one that Scripture speaks of exclusively for humans. Animals have no capacity to receive spiritual comfort. The holy angels have no need for comfort. Satan and his demons are eternally beyond it (Matthew 25:41; Revelation 12:9, 12; 20:10). Only humans—higher than the animals, lower than the angels, and composed of body, soul, and spirit—were created with the capacity to receive and give comfort, and we live in a world where we need it.”

 

God is called the “Father of compassion” and the “God of all comfort.” In His mercy and love, God is eager to provide comfort to His children in any and all circumstances. Whatever the trial we face, our Heavenly Father knows the situation and offers comfort as needed. The fact that He is the God of all comfort teaches that all comfort ultimately comes from Him. He is our source of peace and happiness and blessing. He is the God of all comfort, in times of trials, grief, and adversity, the concept of God's comfort serves as a profound source of relief and hope for Christians. Believers in Christ have a comfort from God that includes a true freedom from guilt. For Christians, our righteous Judge is also our loving Savior who is very concerned for you and your walk.

Why did Jesus appear to Mary, the disciples and

again, when Thomas was present?

 

To comfort them, to comfort them in their brokenness, doubt and fear. “Christian comfort is not the absence of suffering, but the presence of hope and joy deeper than any of our pain.” The Spirit didn’t come until Jesus ascended into the heavens, and Jesus’ physical appearance is what brought them comfort before He left. But we also know this was only temporal until the Comforter came and dwelled within each believer.

 

This shows how much Jesus truly

loved those who were His.

 

For you and I, we need to understand our comfort is greater, if you really think about it, in comparison to the early believers before Jesus ascended to glory. All three Persons of the Trinity participate in comforting us just by being with us. That is enough. The Father is always with us, as He was with Moses (Exodus 3:12) and the nation of Israel. (Deut 31:6–8). The Son found in (Matt 28:20; John 14:18) and the Spirit (John 14:16–17). Hence, Paul confidently ends his letter to the Corinthians with the beautiful blessing. “May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” 2 Cor 13:14. The “Spirit” rendered “Comforter,” “Counselor,” or “Helper” in different translations, is how Jesus keeps His promise to always be with us as the God of all comfort. One meaning of the Greek root word “para” is “close beside.” We saw this earlier in John’s gospel when Jesus told them the Sprit was still to come “…the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.” John 14:17. So ultimately, this means all three Persons of the Trinity live with and in believers this means, “very close indeed.”

As a result, no past, present, or future distress can separate us from God and His love for us in Christ. (Rom 8:35). We are not only comforted in our troubles, but we are “more than conquerors” in them. (v30–39 of Romans 8).

 

We have access to God through the means of prayer, and when we turn our worries into prayers, “the God of peace will be with [us]”. Paul wrote, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.” Phil 4:6-9

 

Here is what we learn from this section of Scripture

as Jesus comforts His own.

 

Jesus does this by reminding Thomas about those who follow later on, after Jesus is gone. In the end, when we finally leave the temporary troubles of this life and enter the permanent joy of the next. Our Heavenly Father will forever comfort each one of us, wiping away every tear. The Scriptures speak of welcoming us into a world where comfort is no longer needed because there is “no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Isaiah penned these promises, “He will swallow up death forever, And the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from all faces; The rebuke of His people He will take away from all the earth; For the LORD has spoken.” Isa 25:8. John would pen to remind present and future generations, “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away." Rev 21:4. We will enjoy the God of all comfort forever; the same comfort we as Christians receive flows through us to others. Like grace, comfort is an active, powerful gift to be not merely received but actively shared with others, supernaturally multiplied to advance God’s kingdom. Matthew 25:14–30. The Bible commends those who are simply with people in trouble, such as those who are sick or in prison, whether or not we can change their circumstances (Matthew 25:36–40). By doing this we are bringing comfort to those in trouble, we glorify God by giving a glimpse of how He comforts those who are in distress.

 

See the resurrection reminds us of redemption but His risen body reminds us from the Hymn by the Gaither’s, “Because He Lives”

 

Because He lives,

I can face tomorrow!

Because He lives,

All fear is gone.

Because I know

He holds the future,

And life is worth the living,

Just because He lives!

 

Because He lives! We can face anything and Jesus wants us to feel His presence in our lives, as He comforts His disciples physically, and as He comforts us from glory through the Spirit.

  

God Comforts Us Through The Scriptures.

 

It’s here we fine His comforting presence in the chaos of life, “For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.” Rom 15:4. Afflictions may prove to be a great blessing as we rest in Him through it. The Scriptures are not only written for our present instruction, but for the, encouraging, and establishing, an hope of eternal Life in another world.

God Comforts Us With His Protection.

 

David wrote, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:4. With this staff the shepherd rules and guides the flock to their green pastures, and defends them from their enemies. With it also he corrects them when disobedient, and brings them back when wandering, it’s here the sheep are comforted. This means, “The sight of them consoles me.” They show that the Shepherd is there, his presence and his office, they impart confidence, showing that he will not leave me alone, and that he will defend me.

God Comforts Us Through Others.

 

Paul wrote, “For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him. Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” 1 Thess 5:9-11. Strive to build up each other, or to establish each other in the faith by these truths. Do this by praying together, conversing with each other about the doctrines of the Gospel, and loving your church.

 

We also experience God’s comfort through the avenues…. 

Prayer…… Phil 4:6-7

Fellowship/ Church life…… Gal 6:2 “Bear one another's burdens…”

Worship……. Psalm 34:1, “I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.”

 

God Comforts Us By Trusting That He Is Sovereign.

Isaiah wrote, “fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

“I will help you” this gives us great comfort as we face this world, because what God does for us is this, “I will enable you to bear all your trials.” The God of heaven was their God; and as He has all power, and that power was pledged for their protection, they had nothing to fear; the same is true today form you and I.

 

God Comforts Us By Resting In God’s Love And Promises.

Jeremiah penned these words, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jer 29:11. The nation of Israel shall not come to an end; the exile shall be followed by a restoration. This goes for every child of God who is His today, tomorrow and forever. These are comforting passages of Scripture, but there are days when I wish God would reveal Himself physically to me, as He did with others before He ascended into glory. There are times when our faith seems at its lowest point, and the only thing that is keeping us going is that thin line of God’s sovereign grace. And that is enough! But there are times when life seems hopeless, and confusing, and it would be nice to see my name in a cloud saying, “I have you right where you need to be.” I will guide and comfort you through the doubt and storm as He did for Thomas here in this passage. It’s here when we struggle in this area of life, thinking God is distant and I don’t feel comforted. We are to come back to this point of the resurrection that reveals God’s love for His broken-hearted believers to be assured of His grace.

 

To truly know and feel God’s comfort we need to…….

 

Pray for His presence, not physically but through the comfort of the Spirit.

Pray for peace amidst trials.

Pray for assurance of God’s love.

Pray for strength in our weaknesses.

Pray for comfort in the loneliness and valleys of life.

Pray for wisdom to help you through to understand possibly the unknown and unanswered prayer.

Pray for contentment in every circumstance.

Pray for comfort to share with others who struggle with the things of life.

 

Christ triumphed over sin and death, so realize that

comfort we seek, and have, came at such a cost.

 

It’s through Christ and His resurrection that gives us life now and for all eternity. Jesus in section of Scripture reveals His concern for Mary, and the disciples. We don’t need His physical presence to truly know that, because we have the Spirit to see us through our…..

Frailty

Weakness

Doubts and fears

Our lack of faith

Beside the theological explanation of the resurrection, it is here we see the care love of God as He cares for His children. We have a Risen Lord who loves you with an everlasting love, who comforts you daily by His grace. Why? We are His adopted sons and daughters. Just as we were all dead in our sin, likewise, once we are converted, we all share in the same new resurrected life. All He demands of us is to keep seeking His face, and when the time is right, we will reign with Him for all eternity. The home we daily long for, as we wait now continually, we do this by celebrating the resurrected life today. We do this by knowing He truly cares and comforts us through everything. This was all made possible when Jesus conquered sin and death through His glorious Resurrection.