Reflections on “My Peace I Give To You!” April 2, 2014
My Peace, I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. You heard me say to you, ‘I am going away, and I will come to you.’ If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. John 14:27-28.
My Mother left me alone in the hospital with my Dad as he lay near death. She announced that she was going across the street to get some rest. I looked at her and asked her how she could leave while Dad was dying. She responded with a scripture: In peace, I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety. Psalm 4:8. I had no answer as she left, but I thought a long time about that scripture.
What is Peace? Where does Peace come from? How do we know when we have Peace?
Peace is the absence of conflict and the humility of obedience to God’s Will in our lives. And they went to a place called Gethsemane. And He said to His disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” And He took with Him Peter and James and Johns and began to be greatly distressed and troubled. And He said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death. Remain here and watch.” And going a little farther, He fell on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from Him. And He said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what You will.” Mark 14:32-36.
How true this verse is – Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him! Psalm 34:8.
The Holy Bible makes it clear what God likes. Since we receive things through thoughts spoken and heard these things go directly to the heart.
“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:7-9.
God tells us what He hates in Proverbs: There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to Him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers. Proverbs 6:16-19.
Peace is the result of righteous living and obedience with faithfulness. Faithfulness springs up from the ground, and righteousness looks down from the sky. Psalm 85:10-11.
Isaiah 9:6-7 tells us who the Prince of Peace is: For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and of peace, there will be no end, on the throne of David and over His kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.
No government has the power to try to make peace. A country cannot survive unless God’s Precepts are followed.
When Jesus was born, what did the angels sing to the shepherds in the fields? “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom He is pleased!” Luke 2:14.
The Fruit of the Spirit includes the gift of Peace. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23.
Scripture verses conclude this look at God’s Peace with prayers and promises.
May the Lord give strength to his people! May the Lord bless His people with peace! Psalm 29:11.
Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Romans 12:16-18.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. Romans 15:13.
Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. 2 Corinthians 13:11.
Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. 2 Corinthians 13:11.
And then we sing, “Peace, peace, wonderful peace, Coming down from the Father above, Sweep over my spirit forever, I pray In fathomless billows of love.” (Cornell)