Peace On Earth
2003 Advent Devotional Collection
Saturday, December 6
Reading for Today: John 16:25-33
"I have said this to you, so that in me you may have peace. In the world you face persecution. But take courage; I have conquered the world!" John 16:33
“Peace.” How often we wish for it. How difficult
it is to achieve. What does it really mean? In this passage, I think Jesus
is not referring to the peace that we usually think of when we hear the
word. We dream of world peace. We say it lightly, as if it were possible
by the press of a button or by any act we could perform. But we know that
individually, we have little power to create peace for the world.
The peace that Jesus offers us, I think, is a very different
kind of peace. Jesus knew from his own life experiences that this world
is not a peaceful place. He suffered at the hands of those who feared
his rise to power and were determined to stifle it. He knew that perhaps
even by living our lives as peaceful and caring people and doing what
is good and right, we will offend others and they will attempt to harm
us.
Jesus knew that true peace comes to us through the knowledge
that we are children of God. It is the understanding that God is in control
and we are not. He was able to elevate himself above the suffering he
endured because he was fulfilling God’s mission with his life.
That peace is available to us in the same way. By listening for God’s guidance and doing the best that we can to live our brief lives here on earth as Jesus taught us, we are reaching toward that peace that Jesus offered us. If we feel that our lives are in our own hands and it is all “up to us,” well, that’s pretty scary. Peace comes from knowing that God is with us, cheering us on, and leading us in the right direction. All we have to do is follow. Now that’s a peaceful thought!
Prayer for Today:
Loving Lord, we accept the peace you offer us when we trust your guidance.
We know you are present with us always, helping us do the difficult things
you ask of us. We believe that you give us the strength and ability to
do things we cannot do on our own. Amen.
Jody F.
Central Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
(217) 428-4336