In a secluded, upper room, the night before He died, Yahshua was facing monstrous horror, the very thought of which would later cause Him to cry out in anguish and sweat blood. Even so, calmly eating a final meal surrounded by His disciples and dipping into the same dish as the one who would betray Him, this remarkable Man was centred in an inner tranquillity and stability that was incredible. “Do not let your hearts be troubled,” He smiled, “…believe in me” [John 14:1]. He went on to assure them He was going to prepare an astonishing home for them [v2], and that they would not be forgotten [v3]. “I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you” He encouraged. [v18, italics added]
Finally, looking around the table, knowing that coming events would devastate these dear friends, He said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you…Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” [v27]. This was an extraordinary legacy that didn’t emerge until after the resurrection, but it is clearly noticeable throughout the New Testament writings. The early church had an inward peace that held them steady throughout all the turbulence of human experience and the trauma of bitter persecution. J.B. Phillips, who spent his life studying and translating the New Testament, describes it as a ‘ballast of inward peace’!
Our world is a very unsteady place right now! News items are distressing; children die of starvation, wars continue to rage, thousands are homeless, the refugee situation is out-of-control, finance is unstable, politicians argue, and leaders fail us. It’s a situation of ‘peace impossible’! And yet…? Psalm 94 is about some of the wrong things that happen in the world and yet the Psalmist triumphantly wrote, “In the multitude of my anxieties within me, Your comforts delight my soul” [v19]. It seems that Yahweh has always managed the impossible!
Do you have a ‘multitude of anxieties’ in your life? Peace is Yahshua’s legacy to all His followers. Paul described it as peace “…which transcends all understanding…” [Philippians 4:7]. Despite the problems it’s our heritage, and it “…will guard your hearts and your minds in [Messiah Yahshua].” Peace impossible…made available!
Banner Image: unsplash-logoJordy Meow
The Living WordNew Audio Devotional
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1 Corinthians 15:19-20 NIV - If only for this life we have hope in - Bible Gateway
Rejoice, Rejoice, Oh Christian, Lift Up Your Voice And Sing Eternal Hallelujahs To [Yahshua the Messiah] The King! The Hope Of All Who Seek Him, The Help Of All Who Find, None Other Is So Loving, So Good And Kind.
Homer A. Rodeheaver
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