We often hear people say they would like a little "peace and quiet." I'm sure we would all welcome more of that, given everything going on in the world today. However, I do want to take a few moments to encourage you today on this thought of "peace."
At times, we have wrongly concluded that peace is simply the absence of conflict of any kind, but we forget that Jesus came into a world filled with political and moral turmoil. However, He was and IS the Prince of Peace!
As Jesus walked the dusty roads, followed by his disciples, everywhere he went benefitted from the peace he brought into the situation.
Political and religious leaders may have struggled with having a sense of peace because He came to restore hope and dignity to society's downtrodden and forgotten. As He did this, the religious leaders felt their control of the people slipping away.
At the same time, Jesus knew a day would come when He would return to the Father, and His mission would be left in the hands of the disciples.
He gave some comforting words to them at the time, and I believe these words still apply to us today. John 14:27 says, "Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Don't let your heart be troubled or fearful."
The peace that the world gives is temporary and governed by the events surrounding us. The peace the Lord gives is one that comes from our innermost being because of His presence.
Here is a story that I've seen from an unknown author that illustrates the kind of peace Christ gives:
Two painters were asked to paint a picture illustrating peace. The first painted a beautiful evening scene in the foreground of a lake, its surface calm and unruffled. Trees surrounded it; meadows stretched away to the distant cattle gently browsing; a little cottage, the setting sun—all spoke of perfect rest.
The second painter drew a wild, stormy scene. Heavy black clouds hung overhead; in the center of the picture, an immense waterfall poured forth vast volumes of water covered with foam. You could almost hear the continuous roar. Looking closely, the first thing to catch the eye was a small bird, perched in a cleft of a huge rock, absolutely sheltered from all danger.
The second painter described a peace that passes all understanding, which is the Lord Jesus Christ, the wisdom of God in the heart of the redeemed. Our peace is found when we have peace with God.
Remember that the circumstances around you shouldn’t dictate your peace. Christ is our peace!