Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Peace I Give You

I have said these things to you so that in me you might have peace. In the world there is affliction, but have courage.  I have conquered the world.  -- John 16:33 (Lexham)
It's extremely simple to get worked up about the afflictions and dangers in the world.  News networks gain all of their viewers from the voyeuristic tendency of humans to be magnetically drawn to tragedies and afflictions of others.  Terrorist attacks, shooters in public venues, car wrecks, plane crashes.... The news media gives us round-the-clock coverage 24 hours a day from around the world.  Afflictions abound.  The source of peace though is not to be found in ending affliction, if such a thing were possible.  It is not in waiting for some End-time rapture by and by,   Peace is achieved and accessible now in and through Jesus Christ.

Christ has conquered the world.  Standing alongside Christ we step outside attachment to this life with its afflictions and worries.  A new dimension exists where there is no impact to us personally from the afflictions we experience.  Our eternity is secure.  The present world's afflictions might come over us and even take our life but our sure footing is in the conquered realm that exists beyond this one. So have courage.  Turn away from despairing over the news, pray, and work for bringing ever present reminders of the Peace Source to all you can.

Questions to Ponder:

  1. How easily do you pull yourself away from news of tragic circumstances?
  2. What kind of reminders can you provide to others when they are stressed by news events?
  3. Where do you find peace?


Prayer:
God of Peace, we ask your peace to settle upon us in times of affliction.  Inspire us to be peace to others around us, and remind all of Christ's ever-present love.  Through Christ.  Amen.

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