Christian Art | Easter To Pentecost
John 16: 20-22 | King James Audio Bible | Daily Verses
20 Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy.
21 A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world.
22 And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.
In the Old Testament of the Bible, the image of a woman giving birth is often used to express great pain. It is also often used, especially by the prophets, to signify the birth of the new messianic people – see, for example, Isaiah. Jesus recalls both the pain of the Old Testament and the hope and fulfilment expressed through the prophets. The new birth is imminent. Through the sorrow and pain of the crucifixion, we are called to God.
Jesus, then, in these verses, uses both a familiar, everyday analogy to help the disciples understand what is happening, and draws on the language and understandings of the Old Testament to show how he is the fulfilment of the prophecies.
Jesus reassures his disciples, and his message of reassurance is also for us. Inevitably, there are times when we sorrow in this life. We know, however, that Christ is with us. And we will see Christ fully when we pass from this life, and that joy will have no end.
‘12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.
13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.’ St Paul’s Letter to the Romans
King James Audio Bible | Endnotes
Verily Verily | The King James Version As Masterpiece In English
Jesus uses the analogy of a woman in labour to illustrate the pain that his disciples will feel at his departure, but also the joy that will come when they are reunited with him.
The English of the King James Version rises to the challenge of Jesus’ mastery of story-telling. The KJV is often praised for its poetic beauty and use of slightly for the times archaic English – drawing upon previous English translations of the Bible as well as a rich English literature tradition including William Shakespeare. Those who translated the KJV certainly intended to create a literary masterpiece as well as an accurate translation of original texts.
Many have praised the KJV Bible. Here is a selection of what has been said:
Samuel Taylor Coleridge wrote:
‘The language of the Bible has no less impressed and stamped its character on the Saxon dialects, than the Latin has on the Southern tongues of Europe. And I am not sure, whether, taking all the circumstances together, it is not the grandest style that has ever been written,–the sublimest, perhaps, of human composition.’
C.S. Lewis wrote:
‘The English Bible, as [William] Tyndale translated it and as revised by the scholars of 1611, has nourished a language which, for beauty and richness, is probably unequalled in the world.’
John Milton wrote:
‘The King James Bible is the best English version of the best book, and its poetic and rhythmic qualities are now well known. Its language is plain, majestic, and powerful, and it has influenced our language and literature more than any other book in the world.’
Harold Bloom wrote:
‘The King James Version is our language’s high point, a culmination of sorts that we can identify as mystical. It has given us not only the language of our faith but also a language that is singular in its beauty, rhythm, and poetic force.’
George Santayana wrote:
‘The King James Version is the most beautiful of all translations of the Bible, and as literature it is simply unsurpassed. Its language is precise, yet rich and musical, and it has had a profound influence on English literature and culture.’
H.L. Mencken wrote:
‘The King James Version of the Bible is probably the most beautiful piece of writing in all the literature of the world. It has a majestic simplicity and an unearthly grace that makes it impossible to read without a sense of awe and wonder.’
T.S. Eliot wrote:
‘The King James Version of the Bible is a masterpiece of English prose, and its influence on our language and literature cannot be overstated. Its language is both simple and profound, and its rhythms and cadences have become part of our cultural DNA.’
Virginia Woolf wrote:
‘The King James Bible is, for prose writers, a great masterpiece of English prose; for it combines splendour with simplicity, elevation with directness and force. It has, above all, a noble rhythm, and one reads it aloud with a sense of something purged and chastened, something purified and strengthened.’
Ezra Pound wrote:
‘The most beautiful book in the world? It is the King James Bible. No other book has such beauty in both phrase and rhythm. The music of it is like that of a great river, and it has set a standard for the English language that has never been surpassed.’
Stephen Greenblatt wrote:
‘The King James Bible is one of the great works of world literature. It is also, in a sense, a crowning achievement of English literary genius. Its influence has been incalculable, both in the dissemination of the Christian message and in the shaping of the English language itself.’
Scripture: John 14:27 ‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.’ In this verse, Jesus offers his peace to his disciples, a peace that is different from what the world provides. This divine peace is deep, abiding, and capable of calming troubled hearts and dispelling fear. It is a peace that surpasses all understanding and is rooted in the presence and promises of Christ. Prayer Dear Jesus, I come before you, seeking your peace in my life. The world around me is filled with chaos and uncertainty, but I know that your peace can calm the storm within my heart. Help me to trust in you more deeply, to rest in your promises, and to feel your presence in every moment. Fill me with your peace that surpasses all understanding, and help me to be a vessel of your peace to those around me. Amen. Personal Reflection What areas of your life are causing you anxiety or fear? How can you invite Jesus’ peace into these areas? Reflect on a time when you experienced Christ’s peace amidst turmoil. Meditation On Prayer And Gospel John 14:27 reveals a profound truth about the nature of Jesus’ peace. Unlike the fleeting and often superficial peace offered by the world, Jesus’ peace is enduring and deeply transformative. This peace is not dependent on external circumstances but is anchored in the character and promises of Christ. As we navigate through life’s challenges, it’s crucial to understand and embrace this divine peace. Jesus’ peace is rooted in his presence. When he says, ‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you,’ Jesus is assuring us of his continual presence. This peace is a gift that flows from his abiding presence in our lives. It is a reminder that we are never alone, no matter what we face. his presence brings comfort and security, allowing us to rest even in the midst of life’s storms. Furthermore, Jesus contrasts his peace with the peace that the world gives. The world’s peace is often conditional and temporary, based on circumstances that can change in an instant. In contrast, Jesus’ peace is steadfast and eternal. It is a peace that reassures us in our deepest fears and anxieties, reminding us that he is in control. This peace transcends our understanding, as it is grounded in the eternal and unchanging nature of God. To experience Jesus’ peace, we must cultivate a relationship with him. This involves spending time in prayer, meditating on his word, and seeking his presence in our daily lives. It also means surrendering our worries and fears to Jesus, trusting that Jesus will provide and protect. As we draw closer to Jesus, his peace fills our hearts and minds, transforming our outlook and calming our spirits. One practical way to embrace Jesus’ peace is through prayer and meditation. By setting aside time each day to be still before the Lord, we create space for his peace to fill us. Reflecting on scriptures like John 14:27 can remind us of his promises and help us focus on his presence. Additionally, practicing gratitude can shift our focus from our worries to the many blessings in our lives, further opening our hearts to his peace. Another aspect of embracing Jesus’ peace is learning to let go of control. Often, our anxiety stems from a desire to control our circumstances. Jesus invites us to trust in his sovereign plan, even when we do not understand it. By surrendering our need for control and placing our trust in Him, we open ourselves to the peace that comes from knowing that He holds all things in his hands. Living in Jesus’ peace also means becoming peacemakers in our relationships and communities. As we experience his peace, we are called to extend that peace to others. This involves forgiving those who have wronged us, seeking reconciliation, and promoting harmony wherever we go. By being agents of his peace, we reflect his love and grace to a world in desperate need of his presence. Prayer Lord Jesus, Your peace is a precious gift that the world cannot give. In times of turmoil and distress, remind me to turn to you. Let your peace guard my heart and mind, dispelling all fear and anxiety. Teach me to trust in your unfailing love and to rest in your promises. Help me to be a peacemaker, sharing your peace with those around me. May your peace reign in my heart, my home, and my relationships. Thank you for your constant presence and the gift of your peace. Amen. Scripture: Matthew 5:9 ‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.’ Blessing May the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ fill your heart and mind, guiding you through every challenge and bringing you comfort and joy. May you rest in his unending peace and share it generously with those around you. Amen.
The reading, presented as the voice of Christ addressing the disciple, reflects the central themes of The Imitation of Christ — listening to God’s word with humility, preferring eternal truth over temporal vanities, and persevering in faith through both trials and consolations [ … ]
The poem speaks within the tradition of Christian eschatology, drawing on imagery of the Last Judgment as found in the Book of Revelation. The opening command, ‘At the round earth’s imagin’d corners, blow / Your trumpets, angels,’ invokes the apocalyptic vision of angels summoning the dead from the four corners of the world. The imperative verb ‘blow’ places Donne in a position of assumed authority, yet the command is not sustained. The invocation of cosmic forces collapses into a more personal meditation on sin, repentance, and divine grace [ … ]
