John 14_27
November 29
Happy Thursday Everyone,
The scripture for today is John 14:27
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world gives, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
In speaking these words to His disciples shortly before His crucifixion, the Lord Jesus is shoring them up for the onslaught to come. He knows that fear such as they had never experienced would be seeking to find a way into their hearts. He imparts to them His peace and also a command. "Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." If He tells them to do a thing, He must also know that they will be capable of doing it.
These words of Christ are given not only for those disciples, but for all of His disciples. Jesus tells us to not let our hearts be troubled or afraid, and He knows that we are capable of doing it because He also imparts His empowering grace. Before the command, He imparts His peace. As we receive the peace that Jesus gives, we are enabled to resist troubled hearts and the fear that accompanies it. It is not because of us or our attributes that we have this ability, it is because Christ imparts Himself to us. Where we once were troubled and fearful, in Christ Jesus we now have peace. Here is a prayer that we can offer continuously: "Lord, I receive the peace that you give to me and I thank you for loving me enough to give it." Troubled hearts and fear have to retreat in the face of the peace of the Lord.
God bless you as you continue in His service.
Tim