January 8, at peace
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.
John 14:27
In a world of turmoil and confusion, Jesus offered peace. Among those who were willing to follow Him, but doubted the journey ahead, the Son of Man offered them peace.
My peace I give you. . . not as the world gives
The peace Jesus offered His first disciples would not guarantee the absence of trouble, for He Himself would face unimaginable suffering just hours after He voiced these words. Jesus’ peace, even in the face of trouble, offered strength and comfort. Today, His peace offers you the same.
The world persistently seeks some sort of peace. Jeremiah observed, “the people say ‘peace, peace’, where there is no peace.” (Jeremiah 6:14). The world, and every society that has ever existed, has hoped for some form of peace. But the peace Jesus offered His first disciples represents something far above the pursuits of man. Every day of Jesus’ life, He walked, lived, and spoke with such peace. He did not attempt to escape pain, tragedy, or conflict. The more severe the world raged around Him, the more His peace was revealed. And why? Although completely God, in His earthly life Jesus was completely dependent upon fellowship with the Father. Yet, Jesus not only embodied peace, but emphatically gave a realistic perspective of His supernatural peace that He brings to all:
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)
Today, Jesus offers you His peace. But, not like that of the world. His peace is found in His rule and reign over our lives. His peace is found in our fellowship with Him and with the Father. Because of the resurrection, absolutely nothing has the authority to take away your peace. In this uncertain time, draw near to the heart of your God. Draw near to Jesus. Trust Him. Open your heart and by faith receive His peace.
Do not be troubled and do not be afraid.
Sin, fear, and uncertainty are always assaulting our faith. And, at times our hearts are troubled. But, Jesus comforts with His words, “do not let your hearts be troubled.” The Greek term for “troubled” is the same from John 13:21,
“Jesus was troubled in spirit and testified, 'Very truly I tell you, one of you is going to betray me'.”
Although our Lord was troubled in spirit, He remained resolved to obey the Father, and He gives to us the highest example to stay at peace, even when the world around us rages. Yet, Jesus sympathized with the trouble the disciples felt in their hearts, and He understands your troubled heart as well.
So today, allow the Holy Spirit to fill you with the peace Jesus offers. This becomes reality as we ask and trust Him for His peace. At this moment, allow the words of Jesus to quieten your heart: “do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” Surrender your present fears, doubts, and uncertainties to Jesus right now. Release them into His care. And by faith take your solid stance of peace. Do not be troubled and do not be afraid.
Blessings this day,
Ken