Not the World's Peace
It’s day 1 of the true “stay at home” order; however, for most of us life hasn’t really changed much. We’ve been acting this way. We’ve been staying “socially distant” from others and only going out for essential items. But now it’s a bit more official, and it feels a little more…I don’t know how to put it…ominous is some way. Not in the sense of doomsday, but just a little bit more unsettling.
In and of itself, this time is not peaceful. Though we may be at home and less hectic, the nature of what we are going through does not engender peace in us. It brings up worry, fear, anxiety, fretting, uncertainty, and much more. It’s not merely concern about health, but about the economy and the future. It goes to show where our peace is actually found. So much of what the world (and we) have likely relied on for peace and security has been blatantly removed from us. We need true peace.
John 14 - the beginning of Jesus’ “Farewell Discourse.” There is so much in this chapter that we could look at, but I will only draw our attention to one verse:
27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
There is something decidedly different about the peace of Christ. Take some time and meditate on how different and greater the peace of Christ is than any other source of peace we could rely upon. His peace is peace within the storm. It is peace in the good, in the bad, in the ugly (sorry, that just kind of rolled right off the keyboard). But this is a time for you to consider his peace. Take some time and pray and thank God for the peace that is everlasting, that is surpassingly great, that is beyond understanding, that touches every area of life. Christ’s peace is solid and secure. It is everlasting.
Two songs for you today. The first is from the Gettys. I’ll post these lyrics:
May the peace of God, our heav'nly Father,
And the grace of Christ, the risen Son,
And the fellowship of God the Spirit
Keep our hearts and minds within His love.
And to Him be praise for His glorious reign;
From the depths of earth to the heights of heaven
We declare the name of the Lamb once slain
Christ eternal, the King of Kings.
May this peace which passes understanding,
And this grace which makes us what we are,
And this fellowship of His communion,
Make us one in spirit and in heart.
And to Him be praise for His glorious reign;
From the depths of earth to the heights of heaven
We declare the name of the Lamb once slain
Christ eternal, the King of Kings.
And to Him be praise for His glorious reign;
From the depths of earth to the heights of heaven
We declare the name of the Lamb once slain
Christ eternal, the King of Kings.
Christ eternal, the King of Kings.
Here is the second, by Fernando Ortega. It’s a beautiful song. Enjoy.