Have you ever thought of peace as a personal gift? It is! Peace is really a legacy left to us by the Prince of Peace Himself. One of Christ’s most valuable heirlooms to His church is actually an aspect of Who He is: Peace.
This verse is the written declaration of that gift: “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world gives-Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14: 27) Jesus made this promise of peace right before finishing His earthly ministry. His disciples did not realize that Jesus was only hours away from His crucifixion. After His death, His followers felt the heaviness of three days of deep despair, darkness, and doubt. But on resurrection Sunday, all that would be left behind. Permanent peace would replace despair. It was as if Jesus was saying in this promise, “I want you to believe in what I say and what I do-to have unshakeable faith. I want you to have the kind of peace that I give.” (desiringgod.org/ 6-9-2012/ John Piper/ “My Peace I Give Unto You”)
And even today, Jesus offers peace as a gift to those who embrace Him. During these strange times of limited freedom and mobility, we can utilize this peace to guide our days, calm our nights, and determine our actions. A disease or virus or political event or natural disaster cannot remove this “gift” from our hearts and minds.
May I encourage you to embrace Christ’s peace by embracing His offer of eternal life with Him. Accept Jesus. Appreciate His death and resurrection. Rejoice in His love. Then value His gift of peace.
