“Peace Be With You”
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world
gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27)
“Shalom”, the Hebrew word for peace, is notably both a greeting and a parting
salutation. Actually, “shalom” is so much more than just a polite greeting – it
actually includes the idea of completeness and of wholeness. Same with the
word “peace”, it means so much more than simply the absence of conflict or
silent tranquility. Especially so when our Lord Jesus Christ qualifies it with His
personal signature – “MY peace I give you”, he says!
Jesus’ peace is one that “…passes all understanding” (Phil.4:7). Not just mental
assurance or emotional stability, but it far transcends knowledge and wisdom. It’s
a grace that comes with the giving of Himself. “He is our peace”! (Eph.2:14)
Jesus’ peace is not “as the world gives.” The world offers a peace that is man-made, temporary and external in nature – it depends on one’s circumstances or reactions to stimuli. The peace of Christ is from God, eternal and spiritually
accepted and discerned – not dependent on any outward condition but an inward
Presence of a trustworthy and loving God!
This week, we said goodbye to a very dear sister in the Lord and we said to her
“Rest in Peace”. But the promises of God are reliable and true, our sister is in
heaven with her Lord Jesus! It is us who are left behind that need that peace that
only Jesus can give. So, to all of us who are here… do not be afraid, don’t let
your hearts be troubled – PEACE BE WITH YOU!
Have a great week ahead!
Pastor Vino Atienza
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