PAX
Peace is as short-lived as the next headline, as longstanding as pleasant circumstances prevail in our lives. It is as fragile as the finest crystal, and as fleeting as a wisp of smoke.
In spite of our present reality Jesus says: "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.
Jesus knew that within hours the world His disciples had grown comfortable in would be shattered. Soldiers would come and rip their Rabbi from their midst. The crowds, once friendly, would turn on their Master and demand His death, They would be looked at the Lord's followers with suspicion and accusation. The disciples' hope would be beaten, ridiculed, and nailed to a cross. How could Jesus tell them not to be troubled, not to be afraid?
A peace that rises above circumstances and is not diminished by events bigger than ourselves is rooted in a God who never changes when everything else does. The foreknowledge of the outcome, based on God's faithfulness and unchanging nature, is our anchor in the stormy waters of life. We know how the story is going to end.
But what hits me here is that Jesus says that whether or not I know the reality of the peace that He gives me, depends to some extent on me. "Do not let…" He says. Will I fall back on His Word, clutch His promises as the lifeline they are, release the anxiety in prayer? Or will I nurse the fear and indulge the lie that God isn't in control, that I am not safe and secure in Him no matter what comes along in life?
He gives peace. Like all His gifts, it is mine to nurture or neglect.
In spite of our present reality Jesus says: "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.
Jesus knew that within hours the world His disciples had grown comfortable in would be shattered. Soldiers would come and rip their Rabbi from their midst. The crowds, once friendly, would turn on their Master and demand His death, They would be looked at the Lord's followers with suspicion and accusation. The disciples' hope would be beaten, ridiculed, and nailed to a cross. How could Jesus tell them not to be troubled, not to be afraid?
A peace that rises above circumstances and is not diminished by events bigger than ourselves is rooted in a God who never changes when everything else does. The foreknowledge of the outcome, based on God's faithfulness and unchanging nature, is our anchor in the stormy waters of life. We know how the story is going to end.
But what hits me here is that Jesus says that whether or not I know the reality of the peace that He gives me, depends to some extent on me. "Do not let…" He says. Will I fall back on His Word, clutch His promises as the lifeline they are, release the anxiety in prayer? Or will I nurse the fear and indulge the lie that God isn't in control, that I am not safe and secure in Him no matter what comes along in life?
He gives peace. Like all His gifts, it is mine to nurture or neglect.
Ohh. Never saw that! We are participants in this - or we aren't. No let go and let God, eh? Thanks, Lynda.
ReplyDeleteGreat word spoken here.
ReplyDelete