My peace I give to you; not
as the world gives do I give to you. John 14:27
Dear Congregation,
A great study may be done on this verse
in its entirety, but my devotional thoughts for you this week are quite simple.
Christ has given us His peace, and His peace is nothing like the peace the
world can give. It strikes me that the world’s peace is only an absence of
something. There is peace when there is no war, noise, strife, worry, toil,
etc. The best peace the world can provide is merely an absence of some negative
element that may be registered by the senses. Not only is the world’s peace one
dimensional this way, but it is always temporary. Anything that may cease may
just as easily be able to start up again the next day. Your sleep may be
peaceful, but your alarm in the morning ends it and your annoying New Jersey
Christ provides those who trust in Him with His own peace.
We may understand that this same peace is one that passes all understanding as
Philippians tells us. However, since it is a given peace from God it has an
active nature. It is not merely an absence of something negative; it has the
power to effect change. Think of Christ’s peace given to you as the same peace
that calmed the raging storm on the Sea of Galilee . The Lord Jesus actively did that. I suggest
that he does that with all of us who are His. Peace, be still! Be still and
know that He is God! I am thankful for the given peace that comes with my
salvation. It certainly takes the worry and insecurity of my soul and eternal
state away, but it also gives me an active assurance and mission for my life.
We proclaim His Gospel of peace and we can also rest in His activity to bring
it to effect. This is a wonderful peaceful truth. Additionally the peace that
our savior gives actively calms the burdens and stresses of this earthly life.
I do not have to work to create peace, Christ has given it!
If this peace seems too far out of reach and does not seem
present in your life right now, I suggest you pray for it and also consider how
powerful and capable your Lord is to handle everything. As He becomes your
greatest reality, the trials and tribulations diminish in stature and lose
their teeth. He has given you an everlasting peace! You may not understand it
here but it is real and it is active. Do not look for peace in a vacation or a
good meal or a long nap or a medical cure. Look for peace in your Savior, His
Word, His promises, and His action!
In Christ,
Pastor Basile
