Peace

John 14:27 “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.”

Peace is the hallmark of the Christian way. Through ups and downs, it remains steady. It allows you to stand firm in times of trouble. It is a friend that holds you as you move from darkness to light.

Peace helps you remain in God’s love. It is not a state of becoming, rather it is a state of rest. God wants you first to be something before you endeavor to become. Our attitudes and actions should emanate out of this deep calm state.

So often we simply react. Out of anxiety or anger we are influenced by our environment. This often leads to regret. Peace asks us to step back, to consider that we have nothing to prove and that God is in charge, that we are kept by him. Peace takes an all-encompassing view while trusting in that good force that is behind everything. It is meek. It is humble. Just “be still and know that (God) is God” (Psalm 46:10).

Jesus’ final encouragement to those closest to him is recorded in John chapters 13-17. Five chapters of 21 total are devoted to Jesus’ tender words of encouragement which would set the stage for their continuing faith. Those chapters are bookended by peace. John 14: 27 is the verse under reflection. John 16: 33 is equally poignant: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

The world gives many things which ultimately lead to ruin. Jesus gives what we need to be fruitful. We are the benefactors as well as the heralds. God instills inwardly and extends outwardly. A question comes up which is revealing, and relates directly to peace: “Do you live by the world’s standards under your own power, or do you live by God’s standards under the power of the Holy Spirit?” That deep seated peace of God powerfully gives the answer.

The entire discourse under consideration ends with a prayer. Here, in chapter 17, Jesus prays to be glorified insisting that life comes from knowing the Father and Jesus the son. This knowing inevitably engenders peace.

The prayer then extends to Jesus’ disciples. It is a prayer for deliverance. He pleas “not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.” So, we are called to witness in this world amidst trouble. This is important. God places us in our particular situation, and we are to accept the call. The people we encounter are near us by providence. A faithful witness deals with what has been given. In this is purpose and direction. The Hebrew word Shalom (inner peace with communal justice and harmony) is the guiding force behind everything.

Jesus ends with a prayer for all believers in all places and times. Two thousand years past that pivotal moment of the cross, we can be encouraged by God including us. Jesus’ love is personal to us in our situation: he knew us from before time began. He knows our needs, preeminently the need for peace. This is the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, which guards our hearts and minds until the joyous day of Christ (Philippians 4:7).