THE PEACE OF CHRIST GIVEN TO YOU

"Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid . . . These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace . . . Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ" (John 14:27,33; Rom 1:7)

Devotion 3 of 12

THE KIND OF PEACE JESUS POSSESSED

And what kind of peace did Jesus have? It certainly was not freedom from conflict. He daily confronted temptation within and opposition without. He was "straitened," or restrained, by the fleshly tabernacle He inhabited (Luke 12:50). He was not received by His "own" people (John 1:11). He was "in the world," and the world was made by Him. Yet, the world did not know Him (John 1:10). He often "groaned" within Himself when confronted with unbelief (John 11:33). He was "a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief" (Isa. 53:3). He even "wept" over Jerusalem, being grieved because they rejected Him, knowing not the day of their visitation (Luke 19:44). So, His peace does not prevent conflict and difficulty. We do greatly err if we think this is the kind of peace He gives to us.

Christ's heart was not "troubled," or distracted by things that unsettle the world. He was not like Martha that was "troubled about many things" (Luke 10:41). He was not afraid of men, knowing that their breath was in "their nostrils" (Isa. 2:22). No man could say it as thoroughly as Jesus did; "I will not fear what man shall do unto me" (Heb. 13:6). His peace enabled Him to stand before Pilate, knowing that evil ruler could do nothing, unless God allowed it (John 19:11). He could sleep in a storm (Matt. 8:24), and walk confidently where others feared to walk (Matt 8:28).

Finally, our Lord Jesus could "endure the cross, despising the shame," persuaded of the joy that was before Him. (Heb 12:2). He was led like a sheep to the slaughter, not opening His mouth (Acts 8:32); He had peace. Jesus stood before malicious accusers, answering not a word (Matt. 26:62-63); He had peace! Although in a conflicting environment and opposed by spiteful enemies, His heart was full of assurance. That is the kind of peace Jesus gives to His people!

It is a peace that endures opposition from those you love. This peace remains when sorrow descends upon your spirit. Christ's peace survives the onslaught of the evil one; when your emotions are tossed too and fro. God's people have peace in the battle. They have peace during the calm. This peace allows them to maintain a sound mind. They sorrow, but they are not overcome by sorrow. They are afflicted, but they are not overwhelmed by affliction. Theirs is the experience affirmed by the Apostle Paul. "We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed" (2 Cor. 4:8-9).

PRAYER POINT: Father, through Jesus Christ I thank You for the superiority of the peace Jesus gives!

--TOMORROW: PEACE THROUGH JESUS CHRIST --