peace talks
" 'Peace' is My farewell to you, My peace is My gift to you; I do not give it to you as the world gives peace." —John 14:27
In His last will and testament, Jesus gave His disciples His peace as our inheritance. He commanded us not to "be distressed or fearful" (Jn 14:27). Jesus said that He does not give peace to us as the world gives peace (Jn 14:27).
The world gives peace by providing favorable circumstances. In the world's judgment, we are at peace when things are going well and not badly. However, this peace is very insecure due to circumstances beyond our control. The way the world gives peace makes peace a time-bomb ready to explode.
Jesus' peace is non-circumstantial. It depends upon our relationship with Him (Jn 16:33) and not upon favorable circumstances. In Jesus, we can have peace amid pain, rejection, suffering, and death. Jesus' peace "is beyond all understanding" (Phil 4:7). He doesn't just give peace; He is our Peace (Eph 2:14). God is our Peace. "Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace." Shalom!
Prayer: Father, during this Easter season, order every detail of my life according to Your will. Give me Your shalom-peace.
Promise: "They stoned Paul and dragged him out of the town, leaving him there for dead. His disciples quickly formed a circle about him, and before long he got up and went back into the town." —Acts 14:19-20
Praise: Jesus healed Rita of cancer. Eight malignant lung tumors disappeared.
Reference: (For a related teaching, order our tape Jesus and Peace on audio AV 42-1 or video V-42.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 31, 2011
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