Peace of God

What does peace look like? What does it sound like? During this season, we sometimes get the impression that peace is a quiet snowfall with soft music playing in the background while we sip a cup of tea. When our lives don’t match that image, we may feel we aren’t experiencing the peace that God has promised. Remember that Jesus told his disciples, “Peace I leave 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, NIV).

Jesus said that to his disciples on the very night their world (and their view of it) was going to be completely upended. They were going to see Jesus betrayed and arrested. They were going to see him tried and convicted. They were going to see him beaten and crucified. Then they were going to see him die. Jesus had warned them as well that the same kinds of things would happen to them (John 16:1-5, NIV). What kind of peace is Jesus talking about then?

I think it has to do with us experiencing a true relationship with God again because of what Jesus accomplished on the cross. I think it is about us being made whole from the inside out by the Holy Spirit which Jesus promised his followers. I believe it is about learning to be brothers and sisters because of our common identity in Jesus, and by reaching out to invite others to be a part of this family. It’s peace that comes from God.

As I said yesterday to conclude my sermon, I do think it’s a peace that must be sought and pursued (1 Peter 3:8-12). If you aren’t experiencing peace in this season, ask yourself what you can do to bring this peace.

Remember that there are ways that you can help others in this season. Let’s do our best to reach out to our community with Christ’s love.

God bless,

Brian

Scripture readings for next Sunday

Isaiah 61—What does it look like to experience joy despite our sorrow?

John 16:19-28—How is Jesus using the word “joy” in this discussion with his disciples?

Habakkuk 3:16-19—How does the kind of joy described here translate to our own time and culture?

Philippian 4:4-7—How do you put into practice “rejoicing in every situation”?