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 14:27 (NIV)
John uses the Greek term eirēnē (i-ray-nay) for the peace that Jesus said he would give to his disciples. In the ordinary, generic sense of peace, it indicates tranquility, exemption from violence, peace, harmony, security, safety. These are all admirable qualities and desires in the ordinary sense of life. Jesus, however, said that he was not leaving a legacy of peace as the world does, but rather would give his disciples his peace.
“I am leaving my peace with you.” This statement from the Lord takes on greater significance when we consider that soon after, he leaves the upper room and goes to Gethsemane. He is under tremendous pressure — huge stress — to surrender to the flesh and ignore the will of the Father. Yet, his heart is not troubled, but at peace. From Gethsemane he will go before the Sanhedrin, suffer violence to his person, die at Calvary, and be buried in the tomb. Yet, he is not afraid, but at peace.
What a marvelous gift! He assures them that his peace is not the same as the world might provide. The world’s peace is fleeting and undependable. His peace, on the other hand, exceeds the limits of time and eternity. It comes from one’s trust in God (Jn. 14:1). Trusting that all power is in the hands of God. Trusting that all God’s promises will be fulfilled. Trusting that there is a place in the Father’s eternal house for those who believe in His Son.
This peace — the Lord’s peace — is the spiritual peace that only comes through faith in Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. So, his peace controls our hearts and defends against all disturbances and fears.
O that I may know this peace in its fullness!
Dear Father, thank you for peace that surpasses all understanding. Empower us with the fullness of your peace. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be encouraged today in the peace that Jesus gives,