Lent day 32 [03.26.2026] Joy From Ashes

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. - John 16:33

Scripture: John 16:1-33

In response to sin, God establishes the nature through which the world and humanity would continue to progress. To Adam, God declares that he would toil all the days of his life, but the ground will produce only thorns and thistles. The same ground would serve as the dust to which he would return meaning that his toil would only serve as digging his own grave and yield only death. To Eve, God declares that she would have severe pain in childbearing and her desire would be for her husband. The worst yet, God declares that the serpent would crawl on his belly and the offspring of Eve would crush his head, alluding to the coming Messiah who would crush the sting of the serpent by resurrecting from the grave and overcoming death. Despite the hopeless nature of each command, Jesus shows us that in Him, the suffering would no longer yield a fruitless death, but a joy everlasting.

As the disciples grieve the words of Jesus, He calls them to ponder upon the pain a woman experiences in child birth. When the time for birth approaches, the woman experiences great pain but when the child is born, she forgets the pain because of her joy at her newborn child. Jesus reminds the disciples that not only is this world filled with brokenness, but the disciples will face significant trials as followers of Jesus. However, just like the pain of childbirth, Jesus calls them to take heart because suffering is a sign that a great joy is coming. In this way, when we suffer, we are reminded that Jesus knew and told us that we are on the right path. This path signifies the great work of God that turns a curse into joy, and when we trust in God through the process, our joy will be complete.

Reflection:

1.     How has God turned moments of suffering/trials into blessings in our lives?

2.     How can we trust that God will do the same in our present trials?

Prayer:

Dear God, thank you for your words of comfort that calms my heart despite the hardships that I face. Thank you for teaching me the prophetic hope that gives me the strength to persevere through my trials with purpose. Help me to trust in you in all circumstances and overcome them with prayer and fasting. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

제목: 재 가운데서 오는 기쁨

본문: 요한복음 16:1-33

죄에 대한 응답으로 하나님께서는 세상과 인류가 살아갈 방식과 질서를 정하셨습니다. 아담에게는 평생 수고해야 하지만 땅은 가시와 엉겅퀴만 낼 것이라 하셨습니다. 그 땅은 결국 그가 돌아갈 흙이 되며, 그의 수고는 결국 죽음을 향한 것처럼 보였습니다. 하와에게는 해산의 고통이 크게 더해질 것이며 남편을 향한 갈망이 있을 것이라 하셨습니다. 그리고 뱀에게는 배로 기어 다니게 하시며, 여자의 후손이 그의 머리를 상하게 할 것이라 말씀하셨습니다. 이는 장차 오실 메시아께서 죽음을 이기고 부활하심으로 사탄의 권세를 깨뜨리실 것을 암시합니다. 이러한 모든 선언 속에는 절망이 담겨 있는 것처럼 보이지만, 예수님 안에서 우리는 고난이 더 이상 헛된 죽음을 낳는 것이 아니라 영원한 기쁨으로 바뀌게 됨을 보게 됩니다.

제자들이 예수님의 말씀으로 인해 근심할 때, 예수님께서는 해산의 고통을 겪는 여인을 비유로 드십니다. 아이를 낳을 때에는 큰 고통이 따르지만, 아이가 태어나면 그 기쁨 때문에 그 고통을 잊어버립니다. 예수님은 이 세상이 깨어진 상태에 있으며, 제자들 또한 그분을 따르는 가운데 많은 고난을 겪게 될 것이라고 말씀하십니다. 그러나 해산의 고통처럼, 그 고난은 더 큰 기쁨이 다가오고 있다는 증거입니다. 그러므로 우리가 고난을 겪을 때, 그것은 우리가 잘못된 길이 아니라 하나님께서 일하시는 길 위에 있다는 표시입니다. 이 길은 저주를 기쁨으로 바꾸시는 하나님의 역사이며, 우리가 그 과정 속에서 하나님을 신뢰할 때 우리의 기쁨은 온전해집니다.

묵상 질문:

1. 하나님께서 우리의 삶 속에서 고난이나 시련을 어떻게 축복으로 바꾸어 주셨나요?

2. 현재의 어려움 속에서도 하나님께서 동일하게 일하실 것을 어떻게 신뢰할 수 있을까요?

   
   

기도:

사랑하는 하나님 아버지, 제가 겪는 어려움 속에서도 제 마음을 평안케 하시는 말씀을 주셔서 감사합니다. 고난 가운데서도 소망을 바라보게 하시고, 그 소망으로 끝까지 견딜 수 있는 힘을 주셔서 감사합니다. 어떤 상황 속에서도 주님을 신뢰하게 하시고, 기도와 금식으로 승리하게 하옵소서. 예수님의 이름으로 기도드립니다. 아멘.