Peace I give you (Tuesday, Easter 5, 2021)

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In His farewell speech, Jesus mentioned that He would leave his peace with his disciples; that He would give them peace, not the kind of peace that the world gives (cf. John 14:27-31). So, which “peace” was He actually talking about? The exact Hebrew word translated as “peace” in John 14:27 is “shalom”. “Shalom” never means simply the absence of trouble. Barclay clarifies that “the peace which the world offers us is the peace of escape, the peace which comes from the avoidance of trouble and from refusing to face things. But the peace which Jesus offers us is the peace of conquest.”


It is the kind of peace which no experience of life can ever take away from us; it is the kind of peace which no sorrow, no danger, no suffering can ever make less; it is the kind of peace which naturally comes to us independent of any outward circumstances.


Jesus knew that Christians would face very hostile circumstances. By the virtue of their calling, they would be seen as the “dregs” of society. By their association with the truth, they would be severely hated, despised and persecuted. In such unpleasant circumstances, they should be sure of Jesus’ peace. Such peace was and has been the lot of thousands and millions of Christians who were authentic in their witnessing.


As we read about the missionary tours of Paul and the other disciples, we hear about the many trials they went through: “at Lystra, the Jews, having incited the people, stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead” (Acts 14:19).  Lo and behold, the next day, he went on to Derbe preaching the good news. Such is the attitude of those who have experienced Jesus’ gift of peace which is made available through the Holy Spirit (cf. Gal. 5:22).


If any Christian begins to regret his calling on account of the trials that he or she faces, then he or she has not really experienced that special kind of peace which the world cannot offer. If any Christian begins to feel not motivated to stand for the truth because of persecutions, then such a perosn really needs to pray for that peace which the world cannot give. Such peace can only come from Jesus. If you are truly connected to Jesus, you will have His peace.      


Prayer:

Peace in me and all around me: peace in my soul, peace in my conscience, peace in my thoughts. Make me an instrument of your peace, Lord Jesus, Amen!


Have a peaceful day!



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