Peace, Grace, & Understanding

John 14:23-27

23. Jesus replied, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. 24. He who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.

25. "All this I have spoken while still with you. 26. But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 27. 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.

We live in a world that seems consumed with fear, and strife. Today, I will be speaking at Perry County PA's courthouse for our National Day of Prayer. Some of you might know that I'm a self-avowed NPR (national public radio) addict; I love all of the news and topical reports. Recently, I heard a report about a challenge to "constitutionality" of a National Day of Prayer. It seemed that there were atheists who felt "offended and belittled" by the idea of a time of corporate prayer for our nation (even though NDP has no sectarian allegiance, and prayer of all sorts from everyone). I wondered why anyone would be threatened or offended by prayer, and then I thought harder. I realized that their not threatened by prayer itself, as much as what they think that we will be praying for. Jesus' words in this passage convicted me greatly, because 1) If I love Jesus, I'll obey Him (most of His commands were about love and service, not judgment). If I love Him, God's spirit resides in me, and I'll act accordingly 2) Jesus tells me that I have His peace; it's His gift to me. When God gives us a gift, it's never ours to keep for ourselves, it's ours to share with everyone. 3) His peace is the antithesis of worldly peace. Worldly (read secular) peace is fought for, protested for, gained. Our nation fought for it's independence and peace, and gained it at a bargaining table. Christ's peace is simply given, free, no struggle involved. It extends to all, everywhere. It is not the absence of trial or trouble, but the grace that will be a balm to the trouble. It does not oppose, it embraces. So...regardless of what is decided, I will pray. I will pray that God shows me how to be that agent of his peace in the world, that I will extend that peace that comes through knowing Him as father to all, and that no matter what others might do to me, I will act according to the love of Christ that dwells in me.

Questions to Consider

1) How have you honored Christ's teachings on love, and obeyed His commands this week?

2) In times of trial, how well do you remember that the Holy Spirit of God resides always with you, that His peace has already been given to you? How well have you relied on His grace and peace this week?

3) This week find someone to extend the peace of Christ to - the harder the better.

God's Peace, Grace, and Love to you all,

Pastor Trevor