This Instruction is Timeless!

There is something about the words of a person who is transitioning from this life to the next that demands attention. Especially so, when those words come from the heart of the Messiah:

²⁵ “These things I have spoken to you while being present with you. ²⁶ But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.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 heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:25-28 (NKJV)

Jesus, while speaking to his disciples before he went to the cross gave the above words. He wanted them to know that even though He was departing this life, He was leaving them with the Holy Spirit who would do for them what He had done for them as they walked together for the past three years. And with that He promised them – peace – a special kind of peace, not the kind the world gives, dependent on circumstances. This peace would transcend circumstances. Jesus knew what HIs followers did not know, that they would be put in precarious situations that would often cause them to be afraid of what the outcome would be. Again in this passage, He assured them to not be afraid.

While the disciples no doubt could not grasp the full implication of these words before the crucifixion, they certainly could afterwards. We have the benefit of 20/20 – so we know how impactful these words were. Yet, these words apply to us as well. They are befitting for all Christ followers. Even though we serve the God who made the universe, we don’t have a clue as to what things will occur in our lifetime.

That is why these words are so significant. For the kind of peace that Jesus says would abide with us, doesn’t have an expiration date. It was good for the disciples, it is good for us, no matter what is going on in the world. All of us would love to see world peace – a time with no wars and no rumors of wars. This probably won’t take place until after Jesus returns. In the meantime we pray for peace, but whether the world achieves peace or not, we walk in the peace that Christ has provided for us, and we also share with others that they can have it too.

Maria