The Peace of Jesus

UV 787/10,000 The Peace of Jesus “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 v 27 Peace was the parting gift the Lord Jesus left with His disciples. He also greeted them with peace. Jesus, being the Prince of Peace, rules as a giver of peace to the troubled and fearful. The peace He gives is different from the peace that prevails between nations through history or the peace between people. The peace between nations is an uneasy peace. It is based on what is called the Nash Equilibrium: they dare each other for some time and then make peace and collaborate. As far as people are concerned, we might speak peace to one another but harbour ill will, distrust, jealousy and hatred in our hearts towards our neighbour. It is a dubious peace. The peace that we enjoy in our lives is also circumstantial peace or peace that is based on our circumstances. Such peace is brittle and does not last. In contrast, the peace of Jesus is an enduring peace that begins now and continues through all of our lifetime and all of eternity. It is not based on what happens to us or our immediate circumstances but on who we believe, trust and obey. Peace is not the mere absence of conflict but the presence of harmony with both God and man. When we do not have peace with God, how can we have peace with fellow men? Jesus purchased peace for us by being the blood payment – the ultimate price- for our failings and shortcomings. He became the very embodiment of peace with God for all mankind. It is interesting what scripture says- if He could do this much for us with His death on the cross, He will do much more with His resurrected life for us. When Jesus says, “ Peace be unto you”, He is blessing us with all the many blessings enumerated in Deuteronomy chapter 28. It is a cornucopia or a horn overflowing with treasures and blessings. Peace is not to be affected by external stimuli, by events that overtake us or circumstances that surround us. Peace is not to be upset at the words spoken to us. Peace is not to be assailed by doubts and fears and worries. Peace is a quiet assurance that God is in control and He knows what is best for us. Peace is the confidence that the Lord will give us ultimate victory in every situation and in all of life. Peace is the shield of faith, the anointing that guides and counsels us. Peace is the way we walk with the Lord. Peace is living in the favour of the Lord. Jesus said, “ I do not give you peace as the world gives.” What the world gives with one hand, it takes away with the other. The peace that the Lord gives us is ours for keeps. No one can take it away. He invites us not just to a one time giving but a daily filling of the peace of Jesus. We can take a top up whenever we desire and whenever we need. This peace rules over our hearts as the Lord lifts up His countenance to look upon us with favour to say, “ This is my beloved son or daughter.” When such peace rules over our hearts, we can neither be worried or troubled or anxious or apprehensive or fearful. We should rebuke every fear or worry or guilt or regret with the power that the peace of Jesus invests in us. We need to constantly empty our minds and hearts, lives and relationships of such negative thoughts, feelings and reactions and fill it with the peace of Jesus. Instead, the peace of Jesus will inspire, empower and enable us to live a life of righteousness, hope, love and joy. Prateep V Philip