Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. (Colossians 3:12-15 ESV)
As we continue to examine the directive given by the Apostle Paul through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, we come to the peace of Jesus. Paul reminds those who claim faith in our Savior to allow the peace of Jesus to rule in our hearts. It is faith in Jesus where we can find peace that brings hope in His authority even as we dwell in a world that can feel at times to offer everything but peace. However the people of God have hope in the presence of the Lord in our lives. The words of Jesus Himself as He gives us instruction to cling to Him. “27 Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful (John 14:27 NASB95).” Jesus promises to give us peace. This is not peace defined according to human understanding. Jesus offers us His peace. Jesus encourages us to not lose heart by the troubles of this world, rather dwell in the hope of His peace. The Apostle Paul defines the peace of Jesus in his letter to the church in Ephesus. Paul instructs us to “12 remember that you were at that time separate from Christ, excluded from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall (Ephesians 2:12-14 NASB95).” Jesus is our peace. He is the Only way to be reconciled to the Lord. Paul encourages us to remember that we were all at one time separated from the Lord. Cut off due to the pride of the sinful human heart. But God in His mercy has come to us. And it is in Jesus where we can be reconciled, saved and given hope. It is through Jesus that we can find peace with the Lord. No longer do we stand without hope before an Almighty God. Our faith in Jesus redeems us unto salvation. Our faith in Jesus brings us peace that transcends all understanding (Philippians 4:7). The peace we receive in Jesus is peace with the Almighty. Peace as the fruit of our faith which brings hope beyond description. It is this peace offered by Jesus. Though we may have trouble in this world, we are not to fear because we stand in covenant with our Savior and King!
Jesus is not giving us peace in the sense of being absent turmoil. He offers us His peace in the midst of turmoil. In the book of John, Jesus reminds His disciples and ultimately all those who place faith in Him of persecution that will come attempting to draw us away from the hope of His Name. Jesus warns “33 These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world (John 16:33 NASB95).” Jesus does not promise to eliminate turmoil. He does not say that faith in Him will cause us not to suffer tribulation. Nor does He promise to remove persecution that will come against those who believe. Rather Jesus reminds us of His presence with us as we go through such trials. We are to find courage knowing that we do not suffer alone. Jesus is with us. And as He is with us, He will help us to overcome. He will help us to not be overwhelmed by the trouble that may come against us. He promises to bring His peace to us in the midst of the storm (Mark 4:35-41). It is such peace that cannot be fully described by the limitations of human language. This is why resting in the peace of Jesus transcends any affliction we may suffer.
I pray, beloved of our Lord, that you look to Jesus who is the author and perfector of our faith to bring you hope in a world that can feel hopeless at times (Hebrews 12:2). He went to the cross to be put to death because of the penalty of your sin. He did this for you. You are His joy! You are loved. You are redeemed. You have hope. You can rest in His peace. Trust in Him. Turn to Him and you will find truth. AMEN!
- Pastor Corby
Corby Shuey 