John 16:16-33 Transformation, Not Substitution

Jesus told His disciples they would soon be sad, but that their sadness would become joy.  He then gave them an example to show them a very important concept:  A woman’s labor pains are transformed into happiness at the birth of the baby.  It is the baby that causes the pain, but it is also the baby that causes the joy.  It’s not a matter of getting rid of what was causing the pain and getting something else to give joy.  They called this substitution.  Instead, Jesus was talking about transformation.

My commentary talked about an unhappy child with a broken toy or seeing a playmate leaving.  In either case, if the parent substitutes a new toy for the broken one or another playmate for the one who left, the child will expect every problem to be solved by substitution.  He’ll expect someone to come to his rescue in every crisis.  He’ll end up being a spoiled child who can’t cope with reality.  “We cannot mature emotionally or spiritually if someone is always replacing our broken toys.”

“In the Christian life, God takes seemingly impossible situations, adds the miracle of His grace, and transforms trial into triumph and sorrow into joy,” my commentary said.  As examples, it listed Joseph being sold by his brothers, Egypt’s persecution of the Israelite slaves (causing them to multiply), David’s pursuit by Saul, and Jesus changing the cross from a symbol of defeat to victory.  “While we are waiting for His return, we must deal with our trials and hurts on the basis of transformation and not substitution if we expect to mature in the Christian life.”

There was one statement that I’m still chewing on – “True prayer is not overcoming God’s reluctance, but overcoming God’s willingness.”

Father, help me to mature in my faith by watching You transform me through the situations in my life that You provide to grow me.  Don’t let me take the immature route and substitute something else for the pain I feel.  Help me to grow through it and see Your hand at work in it for my good.  Show me what I need to understand about “overcoming Your willingness.” 

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford