Look at the contrast between what we should hear when we read this scripture and what we probably hear.
“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 NIV
When I read “peace”, I instantly think of it in the absence of conflict. In the absence of fear or anxiety. Meaning, it does not exist in a way that I would notice it.
Jesus isn’t giving us that type of peace though. He is not saying, follow me and you will never experience conflict or You will never experience fear. He is saying, in the midst of that, He gives you a peace because He promises eternal rest.
When I was older child, about 10, I remember having video games on the Nintendo. There were always limited lives for your character and sometimes you would lose hours of progress if you died off. Talk about frustrating! Then came the inception of “cheats”. They were invincibility or endless lives! I no longer had be careful about the path I chose, in fact, I would say I was reckless in some cases with my boldness.
Jesus went to the cross, so we could “cheat” death. He didn’t promise that the path would be easy, but He did promise the reward was guaranteed. He wants us to live our lives with boldness and a peace, because His blood, bought us invincibility. We no longer need to fear death. We have eternal life!
Wherever you find yourself, meditate on this word “peace” as He intended it, not how the world defines. In the chaos, and earthly uncertainty, feel the peace of a mighty God, who has a place for you and will welcome you with open arms!
There, you will find the Peace that Jesus promised!