David Bahn – Reflections

John 14:30-31

[Jesus says,] “I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no claim on me, ³¹but I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father. Rise, let us go from here.”

Perhaps you remember the old pop song, “Oh, That’s Good, No That’s Bad”. It is a ballad of a string of events which seem to be good or bad – as they are told – only to be revealed as bad or good when the implications are revealed. It was never a heavyweight in the Top 40, nevertheless, this song by Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs is a fun look at the twists of everyday life. (For the You Tube version of the song click here.)

Jesus’ announcement to his disciples that “the ruler of this world is coming” is not obviously good news. But a more careful consideration of this truth reveals something about the ruler of this world that we must keep in mind, and which is a fact that is indeed good news.

Sometimes we place too much power into the hands of Satan by our lack of resistance to his charms. Sometimes we give up too easily. And although the enemy is an old evil foe, and not to be underestimated, we do well to recognize his true limits. As far as we know Satan cannot read minds. As far as we know his anger has blinded him to the greater strength of grace and truth. But in these words we must also rejoice: Satan is not always everywhere. He was coming to Jesus. That means he was not there then, even though he would be later.

After tempting Jesus in the dessert the devil left Jesus and angels came and ministered to him. And although he is about to come back in a fury and with a horrific explosion of evil toward the Son of God, he is not always present everywhere. We are not bombarded by his presence daily – thanks be to God!

One of Jesus’ last promises, on the other hand, was to be with us always – to the end of the age (Matthew 28:20). God is present everywhere. His love for his Father is manifest in his sacrifice for us on the cross. Because Jesus died, we live. His presence sustains us in the fight – when we do have to face down the devil. And when our own sinful flesh, or the world gets the better of us, he stands present and ready to receive us, forgiving and restoring us to a place of grace and life.

The devil may be the ruler of this world. But this world is passing away. Jesus has gone to prepare a place for us, in the heavenly mansions of the Kingdom of God. No matter how he may seem to have the upper hand, never give in to the devil’s deceit. He is neither omnipotent nor omnipresent. Those are God’s attributes; and He is good, and His mercy endures forever. And that is eternally good.

John 14:25-31

[Jesus says] “These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. ²⁶But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. ²⁷ Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. ²⁸ You heard me say to you, ‘I am going away, and I will come to you.’ If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. ²⁹And now I have told you before it takes place, so that when it does take place you may believe. ³⁰I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no claim on me, ³¹but I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father. Rise, let us go from here.