Dwell – Day 14
Peace, that elusive quality we all seek.
What does peace mean to you? The absence of conflict, or challenges, or pain? Pleasure? Prosperity? What are we searching for?
Jesus says “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give you, not as the world gives do I give to you… Now I have told you before it comes that when it does come, you may believe.” John 14: 27-29
We are familiar with the fleeting peace the world gives. We have peace when a conflict in a relationship is resolved, at least until the next issue comes up. We think we will have peace when we realize the next educational or financial goal. But in the end, though we enjoy our success, the peace we expected is not there. No matter what we attain, lasting peace doesn’t come with it.
Jesus is offering us His peace. So what kind of peace did Jesus have, and why wasn’t it there yet when He told the disciples about it? The definition of the Greek word here for peace may explain it. “Eirene – probably from a primary verb Eiro – to join. Peace (literally or figuratively), by implication – prosperity. One, peace, quietness, rest, + set at one again.”
Jesus’ peace was based on being joined to the Father. Being one with Him brought peace, quietness, rest, and implied prosperity. Then the definition outlines the reason Jesus was sent – to set us at one again with the Father. What was given away by Adam and Eve was restored through Jesus’ obedient sacrifice. He was telling them what would be available after He became the sacrifice for our sin, and taking the stripes for our healing. This is the peace Jesus told us to pursue.
Ephesians 2: 18
“Through Jesus we have access by the Holy Spirit to the Father”
John 1: 12
“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.”
It’s a process.
Romans 14: 17
“The kingdom of God is righteousness peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”
Romans 14: 19
“ Therefore let us pursue the things that make for peace, and the things by which one may edify another.”
Colossians 3: 15
“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body, and be thankful.”
Philippians 4:7
“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understand, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
After my husband’s death I had a serious need for peace. We had been married for 56 years. A friend described it to me as feeling like having your roof gone. No covering left. The person that had defined my life was suddenly just not there. I had to readjust my life, and I was struggling. Pursuing the things that made for peace took on an urgency. God not only never left me, He began gradually putting me back together. His promises are real. They are life giving – life restoring. That access to the Father that Jesus paid for, literally built life back into me.
Hebrews 4: 14-16
“Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
Because of Jesus, I am being restored at the throne of grace where my Father pours His love on me, and His peace guards my heart and mind.
Guided Prayer:
Father, we come to you with all of the pain and conflict we may have, for whatever reason. We lay it down at your feet and ask you to restore our soul, as you promised in Psalm 23. Search us, and know us, and lead us in the path that leads to becoming like Jesus. Give us beauty for ashes. May your peace rule and guard our hearts! In His beautiful name, amen.