Peace.
The Bible has a ton to say about peace - the word peace appears 329 times in the Bible (I'm sure that depends on the version). Anyway, it is a hot topic for sure and it isn't just peace - it is God's P-E-A-C-E that He very much wants to give us! Who couldn't use more peace in their life?
If you haven't read the promise we discussed on Isaiah 26:3 I encourage you to do that before we head down this path....they kinda go hand in hand.
John 16:25-33 is titled "Jesus The Victor" - The Enduring Word Commentary says "The triumphant conclusion to Jesus' farewell discourse to His disciples and to all of Jesus' teaching before the Cross." - Jesus is summarizing the purpose of the long talk He had with His disciples.
He wanted them to know that in spite of the inevitable struggles they would face, they would not be alone. This brings to mind words from the Psalms -
I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence! 8 If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the grave, you are there. 9 If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, 10 even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me. - Psalm 139:8-10
This verse is in red letters so y'all better pay good attention!
"I have told you all this"
Can you even imagine how much Jesus said to His disciples? How much He taught them? All of the miracles and messages? John 21:25 comes to mind -
"Jesus also did many other things. If they were all written down, I suppose the whole world could not contain the books that would be written."
Did they listen well?
Did they hang on every word?
I can't help but have the mental picture of all the Peanuts Characters walking around in a pack together with the dust stirred up! - and that makes me think about this amazing podcast (I do love a good podcast) with Kristi McLelland, "Pearls" (my eyes did leak a lot and I did sob several times - you gotta listen) anyway - in one episode this was said "Follow your Rabbi so closely that the dust from His sandals gets all over you." AAHHHHH - I love that!!!!
"so that you may have peace in me."
Jesus did not promise peace, He offered it. We won't find real peace anywhere else other than IN Jesus.
Many people may follow Jesus yet deny themselves this peace.
"Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows."
Here on earth = temporary!
"He promises a peace that co-exists with tribulation and disturbances, a peace which is realized in and through conflict and struggle." ~ Maclaren
Peace is offered to us, but tribulation is promised.
We are promised struggle as long as we are in this world; yet there is peace in Jesus!
"But take heart, because I have overcome the world."
My Spurgeon Bible says - "Be courageous! I have conquered the world!"
The KJV says - "Be of good cheer."
I asked the Google what it means to take heart --> to gain courage and confidence; to begin to feel better and more hopeful. Take heart, things will get better soon. Take Comfort.
Sounds awesome to me - who couldn't use more courage, comfort and confidence?!
But why can we take heart, be courageous, be more hopeful?
"because I have overcome the world."
The MSG says "I have conquered the world."
**Victory is won! - Chains are broken! - Death has no power!
Jesus proclaimed the truth of His victory! He proclaimed victory right before He was dragged away, arrested, forsaken, rejected, mocked, beaten, tortured and executed. No one - not Judas, religious authorities, Pilate, the crowd, the soldiers, not death and not the grave could overcome our King Jesus!
Jesus went to the Cross as a Conqueror!
"He overcame the world in three areas: in His life, in His death, and in His resurrection." ~ Boice
**Jesus alone made a way for us - for lost sinners!
Knowing that Jesus has overcome the world brings us good cheer - it is the foundation for our peace in Him. We see that Jesus is in control, we see that although He leaves He does not abandon, we see that He loves and we see that the victory is His - we can be of good cheer indeed!
If we remember that the ultimate victory has already been won, we can claim the peace of Christ in the most troublesome times.
**I must remember to turn to God FIRST when something bad happens - HE IS THERE!!
Tony Evans says it best - "Regardless of how this world beats you down, you have reason to live with bold faith because Jesus is the sovereign King over the world. He defeated sin, Satan, and death. If you're a believer, your eternity is secure. And Jesus has the power to overrule your earthly circumstances. Knowing this truth and maintaining an intimate relationship with the Lord will radically change your perspective as you face whatever obstacles come your way. His peace gives you peace in the midst of life's crises."
So HOW do we do this in real time - in our every day? To me, we must fix our eyes on Jesus and Heaven - we must surround ourselves with all that is Him.
What does that look like? It looks like being thankful, like starting your day with God, in His Word, like marinating on His Words throughout your days. It looks like seeking His will, His way, His counsel - it looks like dying to self and becoming more and more like Jesus as we let God lead us in all that we do. It looks like knowing that you know that this earth is just one huge Airbnb - it's NOT your Home, we are just passing through on our way Home.
Keeping perspective that this is all temporary and you will one day be Home with your Father who loves you more than you could ever imagine and can't wait for you to come Home!
Get excited about the journey you are on and where you are headed!
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