“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.” – Jn 14:27
Ever pondered the facial expressions when Jesus delivered the news to the disciples about His upcoming
departure? “I’m leaving, but don’t worry. I’ll send a replacement…”
The
disciples must have been perplexed, and unsure about this news. This is NOT
what they signed up for. But, maybe Jesus was leaving to get reinforcements to
help Him set up His kingdom on earth. There’s no way they could have understood
what this meant, or what was to come. Did they wonder if they’d ever see Him
again?
I wonder if Jesus was both
saddened by their lack of faith, amused by their human eagerness (which could
not do anything apart from Him), and maybe even thinking, “Oh, my little sheep,
you will soon see and believe and understand…”
Surely He powerfully spoke into
their deepest parts a truth which they wouldn’t grasp until much later.
“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.”
I wonder how long it’ll
be before I grasp this truth myself… that this peace isn’t a whim, a
short-term feeling, or even something to be attained. It’s a promise meant to be believed, repeated throughout
Scripture, throughout centuries – one I’m quick to forget.
So, in this moment, I choose
to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own
understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and He will make your paths straight.”
– Proverbs 3:5-6
"Now
may the Lord of peace himself give you peace
at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.” – 2 Thessalonians 3:16
Abba God, You are the God of peace, who through the
blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord
Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep. I ask in His name that You equip my
sisters (and myself) with everything good for doing your will, that You give them peace at all times and in every way, and
that You work in us what is pleasing to You, through Jesus Christ, to whom
be glory for ever and ever. Amen. (Hebrews 13:20-21, 2 Thessalonians 3:16)
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