Peace in Christ

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 Scripture: John 14:27 (ESV)

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“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.” (ESV)

 

In this verse, Jesus speaks directly to His disciples during the Last Supper. He knows that soon He will face betrayal, arrest, and crucifixion. Yet, amidst these impending trials, He offers them a profound and transformative gift: peace. This peace is not just for His disciples, but for each one of us, a personal and intimate gift from our Savior.

 

The peace that Jesus bestows is not a fleeting or superficial offering. It transcends the peace that the world can provide, as it is not limited by time or circumstance. The peace of Christ is more than a mere facade of tranquility, more than a warm smile and a firm handshake on a Sunday morning. It's like a calm sea that remains undisturbed even in the midst of a storm. Once you have this peace, it becomes an integral part of you which cannot be taken away.

           

            The Hebrew word for peace is shalom. Its meaning goes well beyond the absence of conflict. It means that one experiences wholeness, well-being, and completeness. Shalom is not just about escaping trouble. It's about finding spiritual wellness, even amid unsettled times.

 

In summary, Jesus's peace is not a mere sentiment; it is a profound and transformative reality. May His peace stand as a sentinel, guarding your heart, soothing your fears, and guiding you to a place of wholeness. May it be a beacon of hope and a source of spiritual wellness in your life. 

 

It is crucial to distinguish between the world's peace and the shalom that God can give us. The world’s peace is a temporary respite from suffering, often disrupted by the world's chaos. In contrast, the peace that comes from God is a permanent, unchanging peace that remains steadfast even in the face of external turmoil.

 

This scripture tells us that we should receive Jesus' gift of peace. But how do we receive this gift in our everyday lives? We receive this gift by doing at least these three things. 1. Trust in Jesus. Acknowledge that Jesus is the prince of peace and that His promises, such as those in this psalm, are true. 2. Prayer: tell Jesus your worries and anxieties to the Lord. Lay down your burdens at the cross and leave them there. 3. Abide: stay connected to Jesus, stay close to the Lord in prayer and meditation, and you will receive assurances of His peace.

 

As believers who have experienced God's peace, we are not just recipients of this peace but also witnesses before the watching world. Our lives should not just reflect the peace that surpasses understanding but actively draw others to Jesus, the source of our peace. Let us pray that God will use us as instruments of peace.

 

Prayer:

 

            Lord, you are our prince of peace. We know that you can and will bring peace to our souls when we are upset and distressed. Let us sink more deeply into prayer with you. May we sense your presence everywhere and spread your shalom far and wide in today's world. Protect us from the chaos the enemy seeks to bring into our lives. May we know your peace through your presence. Amen.

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