The Father's Menu

The Father's Menu

Apostle Dr. Richard Udoh

Monday, July 16, 2018

YOU SHALL REJOICE AGAIN

Born October 28, 1662, at Broad Oak, Flintshire, England, Matthew Henry, a distinguished non- conformist and bible commentator, died June 22, 1714, at Nantwich, England. On his sick bed, he spoke of the excellence of spiritual comforts during afflictions and blessed God that the he enjoyed them. While dying, he said; ‘‘a life spent in the service of God, and communion with Him is the most comfortable and pleasant life that anyone can live in this present world”. He lay speechless with his eyes fixed, till about eight o’clock, June 22, 1714 when he bid farewell to the world of sin. Mathew Henry is gone but his life is a light and comfort to every generation of believers. Our text vividly captures the farewell message of Christ to His disciples. Jesus was referring to His death at this time when He had only few hours to live. It was a valedictory message to His disciples which thereafter granted them opportunity to ask any question quickly before His departure. The disciples could not imagine how Jesus would leave them so soon; but He had promised earlier to send the Holy Spirit to them. The perplexity of the disciples was apparent. They were at a loss to what to make of it (Verse 17, 18). They were in the dark because their notion of Christ’s secular kingdom was deeply rooted in them. Their condition and dispersion were both mournful, yet the world at the same time, move on with all their mirth and pleasures. Opportunity comes and goes in life. Those who stubbornly reject the promise of God for their salvation will mourn eternally. The promise of Christ’s return is imminent and those who wait for His return in spiritual and physical preparation will rejoice at the end when with Him it shall be eternal fellowship. Prayer: When Christ arrives triumphantly, I will reign with Him Further Reading: John 16:22 Read through the Bible: Esther 3 & Luke 22