Jesus said in John 14:27: “Peace I bequeath to you, my own peace I give you, a peace which the world cannot give, this is my gift to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.” What about the conflicts, fears and complaints that are so common in homes, workplaces and in society at large? What situations did Jesus endure peacefully that make us spiral downward? Traded His throne in glory for a manger without food 40 days; dishonored by His family, accused of being demon-possessed, a liar, a heretic, lived and worked under continual threat of death, thousands depended on Him for something, nine of ten lepers He healed didn’t even say thank you, rejected by religious and civil authorities, His cousin and forerunner, John the Baptist, was beheaded, His disciples doubted and deserted Him, His arrest, trial, beating and crucifixion were all contrived and illegal.
What situations do we fail to endure peacefully? Not liking the food in front of us, or the traffic or the weather, or the job being criticized and falsely accused, being threatened, too many demands on us, no one appreciating what we do for them, not having the perfect clothes to wear when we go out.
Things we fear: calamity, poverty, shame, rejection, sickness and death, wounded pride, not getting our own way, kept waiting. . . What did you last throw a fit about? Why don’t we have the peace that Jesus left with us so our hearts would not be troubled? Because we don’t OWN what He gave us. We OWN the belief that our situation is genuine cause for worry. How do we start owning it? By obeying. Philippians 4:6-7: “Never worry about anything; but tell God all your desires of every kind in prayer and petition shot through with gratitude, and the peace of God which is beyond our understanding will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.”
Don’t worry, pray and give thanks. Presto – We own His peace. You were absolutely right, Jesus! I proved it.
Thank you.
Jude Hodges- Grand [email protected]
Joe Cox, Membership Director- [email protected]
KofC Council 12240 at St. Bonaventure
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