Peace Through Jesus

Daily Reading: John 16

Scripture Focus: I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world. (John 16.33)

Devotional Thought: As Jesus continued teaching his disciples, preparing them for his imminent crucifixion, he revealed why he had gone into such detail with them: so that they might have peace.

Peace.  It is an elusive ideal, isn’t it?  It is estimated that there are at least 41 wars taking place in the world today.  Over the history of mankind, there have been over 3000 international wars.  These numbers do not reflect tribal conflicts, to say nothing of violence of the kind that often takes place in cities between gangs.  Added to the presence of war, there are many other factors that take away our sense of peace: economic instability, family turmoil, sickness and disease, death and sorrow, political factions, moral disintegration, ethnic cleansing, racial and social prejudice.  Jesus was right when he said, “In the world you will have tribulation.”

Jesus knew that not only those things would exist, but he also realized that his followers would experience their own brand of trouble: persecution and ostracism.  Simply by being a Christian, we invite trouble on ourselves.  But, with Jesus we also receive overcoming grace!  You see, Jesus is the Truth.  He is the Way.  He has overcome the world.  In his victory on the cross and through the empty tomb, Jesus has firmly established himself as the Lord of history and eternity.  When I am connected to him, my ultimate victory is assured.  That brings me peace.  Nothing can shake that peace.

No matter what you are facing today or in the future, take heart!  Jesus has overcome the world!

Prayer: Thank you, Lord Jesus, for giving me peace.  You have overcome the world and its tribulations.  I rest in you.  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 37.16-24

16 Better is the little that the righteous has than the abundance of many wicked.

17 For the arms of the wicked shall be broken, but the LORD upholds the righteous.

18 The LORD knows the days of the blameless, and their heritage will remain forever;

19 they are not put to shame in evil times; in the days of famine they have abundance.

20 But the wicked will perish; the enemies of the LORD are like the glory of the pastures; they vanish--like smoke they vanish away.

21 The wicked borrows but does not pay back, but the righteous is generous and gives;

22 for those blessed by the LORD shall inherit the land, but those cursed by him shall be cut off.

23 The steps of a man are established by the LORD, when he delights in his way;

24 though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the LORD upholds his hand.