Nougat 7

We are living through some very crucial times. The news features a new conflict ever so often, and for many of us it’s either too close to home, or getting there now. I don’t know about you, but there are times when I’m unable to find the words in response to the issues. As we reflect on Todays Holy Nougat, I pray we hear God’s voice and receive direction for each situation

““I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” ‭‭John‬ ‭14‬:‭27‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Peace when Trouble Comes

He had just made His Triumphant Entry into Jerusalem, such a powerful moment that signaled the beginning of the end of His life. Jesus was preparing the disciples for the turmoil to come. Jesus needed them to be equipped during the season between Death and Resurrection. For when He allowed the authorities to arrest, beat, and eventually crucify Him, Jesus knew the effect it would have on The Twelve, and on the extended community.

Knowing they weren’t mentally or spiritually ready, Jesus’ Peace was both contingency and protection. Contingency as it was there in a pinch, as a backup plan; and it was also Protection from the forces that would come at them within and without. If the most intense battle is fought in the mind, then the disciples needed protection from despair that would seek to overwhelm them.

In our current contexts, we often see Peace as an absence of conflict, a call for cease-fire, or at the very least – an (armed) truce. And it is all that. When Jesus faced His betrayer, yet insisted that Peter put his weapon away, Peace most definitely meant ‘Don’t retaliate, I’ve got this!’ We can hold to that contingent Peace when people and situations disturb our calm. May we feel Jesus’ peace washing over us, strengthening us to overcome. With the wars raging round about, Jesus is our Peace.

We know however, Peace as used in the Nougat (eiréné), is about a state of rest, holistic wellness and unity of body, mind, and spirit whether or not storms rage around us. This must be a gift from God as it is virtually impossible to achieve that kind of Peace in our own strength. When we connect the gift of Peace Jesus offered in our Nougat with the prophecy about His birth in Isaiah 9; we realize that Jesus offers us a portion of Himself, of His Spirit. And it guides and protects us.

To receive that peace which Jesus offers, we are thus accepting God’s Spirit to Love in us and be with us in every circumstance. That peace is assurance that we will overcome, no matter what comes our way; for Jesus, our Overcomer is with us. I don’t know what you think, but if the One Who defeated Death is with me … I’m good. He came back to reassure the disciples, I know He’s got me covered.

Today, this moment as you read this, and every other moment we need Him, Jesus offers His Peace as a gift. Will we receive it as both Contingency and Protection?

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May all we seek be found in Christ