Peace

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:30

What would you say if someone asked you, “what      brings you peace”? Webster defines peace as “a state of tranquility or quiet: such as freedom from civil  disturbance, a state of security or order within a community provided for by law or custom, freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions, harmony in personal relations.” The world foolishly       believes that man can even have world peace between every nation. Until Christ returns, there will be war and rumors of wars ( Matthew 24:6), and there will never be total peace until Christ returns. However, I, Christian can find individual peace even in a violent and hostile world.

On the night that He was betrayed, Jesus met with His disciples at the last supper. Before they ate, He washed their feet and then taught them many truths that would help them after His death (John 13-16). He compared    the Father as the vinedresser, Himself as the vine, and believers as the branches. He taught them that they could do nothing apart from God when it comes to   Kingdom living. Before Jesus would go to the cross, He wanted to make sure that the disciples understood that even though they would face many hardships, believing in Him would bring them peace knowing that Jesus has already overcome the world. What does it mean that Christ overcame the world? Jesus Christ has overcome the world by conquering sin, death, and Satan.  Because Jesus has overcome the world, we have no reason to  fear. Christian, Jesus saved you for His glory, and you  may find peace in every circumstance of this life knowing that nothing can separate you from the love of Christ.

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor    depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able   to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:35-39

Your shepherd,

Pastor Mark