Vol. 19 No. 34 | August 27, 2017
I had been searching for these words for several days. I already knew these words, but I had misplaced them in the crevices of my mind. Or maybe I had just forgotten how to recall them. But then I saw the exact words I was searching for in the words of another writer. I found them again in the writing of another. When I prayed, “Lord, give me Your words.” I found them again.
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)
These words were spoken by Jesus to His followers in the midst of political turmoil, not so different from what we read and hear on a daily basis. These words were spoken into the world where racial and religious divisions were as evident as those we are acquainted with in our age of supposed enlightenment. These words were spoken to a group of people who knew the stress of difficult decisions and living in the pressure cooker of life, not so different from what we experience in our day-to-day lives of mobility and technology.
These words are repeated today as a reminder that peace is available to us today. This peace that Jesus promised was not available only to those who were walking closely with him. This peace is just as available to us as it was for the men and women who were witnessing the miracles and opposition that Jesus was leading them through. This same peace is available to us in the midst of our own political, religious, and racial unrest. These words remind us that Jesus can give us peace.
These words are repeated today as a reminder that much of humanity does not, and will not, accept this peace. The longer I live, the more I recognize that some people do not want the peace that Jesus offers. Individuals may say they are working for peace, but their words and actions reveal they are working for something else. The same offer from Jesus is still available and the same decision to accept it is still just as real.
These words are repeated today to comfort us when we are troubled and afraid about what lies ahead of us. When Jesus spoke these words to His followers, they had no idea what they were about to face. His talk of leaving them frightened them. His determination to move toward a confrontation with the powers of the day troubled them. His words remind them, and us, that there is a peace that will sustain us all through troubling and frightening times.
Maybe you have been searching for these words like I have. If so, I hope you will accept these words for what they are: words of comfort, words of assurance, words of hope, and words from the One, the only One, who can give us peace.
Thank You, Father, for these words.
Tom
A Norvell Note © Copyright 2017 Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved