Pastor Bob’s sermons at Northside Church Austin the
last couple of weeks included John
16:33 – “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace.
In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome
the world.”
It’s very appropriate for Holy Week. Jesus was talking to the disciples in the
upper room, giving them last minute information as He knew He what was coming,
mainly the crucifixion and resurrection.
He was reassuring them for the upcoming hard times, letting them know
that His leaving would bring better things for them and the world. He wanted them to remember ‘these things’.
We all have had discussions with family and friends,
regarding things we want them to know while we are not together. We want them to remember, and they want us to remember ‘these things’.
For me that verse brings back memories of worship with K-State ICTHUS when I was a
college student. We used to sing a song
titled “These Things” which was this verse. I found myself singing it in my head during
the sermons. . It is still the song that
comes to me as a dream when going through really tough times, letting me know
that it will get better. The funny thing
is that it’s not me singing it in my dream, but my friend Rob Wood, who was on
worship team with me. I learned a lot
during those years. Wisdom that was
imparted to me from fellow students:
Lori Hanes Howie who was the first person to disciple me. ‘Uncle’ Brad Boyd lead worship
for years, followed by Brett Hersma. Bob Diehl was the speaker my first night
there, and I still remember his talk. A guy I had several classes with, Mike
Nichols, kept inviting me to come, and even took me on that first night. Laura Keefer Lawless, joined us, and later
became my roommate. Needless to say
there were a lot of things to remember from her. These are just a few. There are still ‘these things’ that I
remember from all of them.
Later, in another campus ministry at UT, I learned more that
have stayed with me for years, including words of wisdom from the college
minister Tom Westbrook (“Oh Captain, My Captain”), and his wife Jill. Many of the students from that ministry will
say that they learned from them, as well as each other. We all remember
‘these things’ as well.
Some of ‘these things’ are not as happy. Easter weekend, and the beginning of April
are bittersweet for me. Easter day of
2002 was the last day I spoke with mom, as she passed away later that
week. Easter day of 2007 was the day my
brother passed away. I remember calling
him that morning, and at the end of the call I told him “I’ll see you here,
there or in the air” (a sentiment I plagiarized from my friend Travis Fell). I started packing as soon as I got off the
phone with him, knowing I’d be driving to Kansas within a day or two. And yes, I still remember ‘these things’ too.
I’ve held on to all of ‘these things’, and many more; and
used them in daily life and in ministry.
What are you ‘these things’?
