Nougat 18

As tensions escalate globally; whether in our country or the wider world; God’s got a gift that keeps us. Please receive today’s Holy Nougat

““Shalom I leave you, My shalom I give to you; but not as the world gives! Do not let your heart be troubled or afraid.” ‭‭John‬ ‭14:27‬ ‭TLV‬‬

Jesus offered these words to the disciples while preparing them for His imminent death. Further, Jesus advised that upon His request, God’s Spirit would replace Him. Additionally, Jesus promised that God’s Spirit would not only be a Helper; but God’s Spirit would Teach and Remind the disciples of all things. Thus, they’d be receiving new revelation and gifts, and what they’d missed out in their time with Jesus.

Having said this, Jesus continued by speaking God’s Peace over them. It could be a continuation of the description of what God’s Spirit would do; or it could be a declaration of His (Jesus‘) personal bequeathing to them. In other words, this was a gift with immediate effect.

We may recall that the Jews viewed Peace holistically – it wasn’t just about physical war. It was about a state of wellness in body, mind and spirit. Hence amidst those tempestuous times that were to follow, the disciples had no need to worry about what happened to their bodies – God had it covered. In the face of danger, they could recall what Jesus taught and like the Hebrew three they could face anything, including death, assured that God’s grace was with them.

This assurance was crucial to the disciples as they would be feeling bereft of Jesus’ presence in addition to facing persecution. It is the same assurance that we have during our own seasons of foment; Jesus offers Peace of body, mind and spirit. And, since we know that Jesus’ promises were fulfilled in the disciples‘ lives; we are assured He will do the same for us.

If Jesus is offering us divine Peace, then any Peace offered that doesn’t match what Jesus promised is fleeting. That would in part help us understand why ceasefire agreements and old truces have been ignored. Remember, Jesus is already established as Absolute Sovereign over and above all world powers. Thus, all that we see playing out on the world stage are mere child’s play and vanity. Just think, regardless who is in power; there comes a day when that person is no more; they won’t be around forever. But Jesus is! So we have the assurance that His Peace is equally eternal.

Whereas the qualification might not have seemed relevant to the time; Jesus stated that His Peace isn’t worldly Peace and He told them to walk away from fear and fretting. If Jesus deemed it necessary for those times; how much more comforting is it for us today? With all that happens around us, we can get overwhelmed by fear and worry; but Jesus offers the way out. Through His Peace.

Our response is to receive the offer by being open to the move of God’s Spirit within when we face our trials (or fears, trials, doubts, or worries).

—

May all we seek be found in Christ