A Little While

We have a fixation with time. Not that it is a negative thing, but even throughout our weeks we have schedules that we strive to live by. Our church services begin at a certain time, and we expect them to end by a set time. However, there are some of us that when things get off schedule we struggle. I am going to admit something that would certainly not come as a surprise to most that I do not care to abide by a strict schedule. This openness allows me some great open space for spontaneous activities; however, in some situations it also causes me to find myself in some precarious situations where I have to operate on limited sleep. When you are young this seemingly never catches up to you, but as we age, our bodies need more rest. Time after all is not something that we have an unlimited supply. Jesus was well aware that the time was ticking away, and He started explaining this to the disciples that remained about His remaining time with them. However, the part that tripped them up the most was about His description of time. However, Jesus redirected their query about how long a little while is, to what they should be doing for that little while.

16 “A little while, and you will see me no longer; and again a little while, and you will see me.” 17 So some of his disciples said to one another, “What is this that he says to us, ‘A little while, and you will not see me, and again a little while, and you will see me’; and, ‘because I am going to the Father’?” 18 So they were saying, “What does he mean by ‘a little while’? We do not know what he is talking about.” 19 Jesus knew that they wanted to ask him, so he said to them, “Is this what you are asking yourselves, what I meant by saying, ‘A little while and you will not see me, and again a little while and you will see me’? 20 Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy. 21 When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her hour has come, but when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world. 22 So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you. 23 In that day you will ask nothing of me. Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. 24 Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full. 

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Jn 16:16–24.

The finite nature of time is a fundamental aspect of human existence. While schedules and plans are indispensable for navigating daily life, it’s vital to maintain a perspective that cherishes the preciousness of fleeting moments. Jesus himself exemplified this awareness during his earthly ministry, knowing his time with his disciples was limited. His poignant use of the phrase “a little while” served not to emphasize the duration of his impending absence, but rather to underscore the profound importance and impact of his presence with them. This understanding encourages a conscious effort to be present and value the interactions and experiences that shape our lives, recognizing that each moment is unique and irretrievable. By balancing necessary structure with an appreciation for the ephemeral, we can cultivate a richer, more meaningful engagement with the present.

Jesus offered his disciples a powerful promise: though they would inevitably experience sorrow and grief during his absence, this pain would not be permanent. He assured them that their joy would be restored through the boundless love and unfailing guidance of God. A key element in this restoration of joy lies in approaching God in Jesus’ name. This act of “asking in His name” is not a mere formula, but a profound expression of faith, acknowledging Jesus’ divine authority and his role as mediator. It signifies a deep reliance on God’s will and a desire for His glory. This promise reassures believers that even in times of profound loss and sadness, the pathway to renewed joy is accessible through a heartfelt connection with God, rooted in the understanding of His love and His preparedness to provide for us.

A significant aspect of Jesus’ teachings revolves around the importance of living in the present moment and discerning one’s purpose, rather than becoming consumed by anxieties about the future or abstract speculations about time and its conclusion. He consistently reminded his followers that suffering, though a real and often painful part of the human experience, is ultimately temporary. Joy, he promised, would eventually return, supplanting the sorrow. This perspective encourages a shift in focus from the weight of current hardships to the anticipation of future restoration and the active pursuit of God given purpose in the here and now. By concentrating on present responsibilities and listening intently to His guidance, individuals can find meaning and navigate difficulties with a hopeful outlook, trusting in the eventual return of joy.

The transformative power of encountering Christ turns transient sorrow into an enduring, eternal joy, empowering believers to embrace and fulfill their divine calling through the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. This spiritual transformation reframes life’s struggles; while human efforts and worldly achievements are inherently temporary, the work accomplished through God’s guidance and power has eternal significance. The pain and suffering endured “for a little while,” whether in the pursuit of significant athletic achievements or through profound spiritual trials, can ultimately lead to deep joy and meaningful transformation. Jesus’ promise underscores that while sorrow is a temporary visitor, the empowering and sanctifying presence of the Holy Spirit is an eternal and life-altering reality, urging believers to persevere through temporary struggles and remain steadfast in their calling to make disciples, knowing that God’s work transcends the limitations of time.