A Pause to Ponder God's Word
"Peace of Jesus"
Do you find it rather odd that we hear about “peace keeping military forces” being sent to countries around the world? The reason their can be such a thing is due to how the world understands peace. Peace is understood as an absence of conflict. As long as there is no active warfare, as long as people are not at obvious odds the world proclaims peace. But though they cry peace there is no peace, for this is not true peace. Peace is not something we can achieve by human effort. The peace the world offers cannot satisfy or sustain. It is superficial, having only an appearance of peace. This is why while speaking with His disciples in the upper room during the Passover Meal Jesus carefully distinguished His peace from the peace the world offers. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you.” (John 14:27)

Jesus' peace is so different that elsewhere in Scripture it is referred to as "peace that transcends all understanding." It transcends understanding because it is not dependant upon circumstances or situations. It is different from the world’s peace not only different in character; it is different in its source, its effect, and its results.

The source of this peace beyond understanding is Jesus Himself; “My peace I give you!” We receive His peace. We open up our hearts and embrace this gracious gift He offers us. It is found nowhere else. It is not merited, earned, created, or found. It is given as a gracious gift.

The peace of Jesus goes far beyond the absence of conflict. In fact, His peace speaks of wholeness, rest of heart, right relation with God; it is “shalom”, that rich Old Testament term that denotes God’s full blessing upon an individual. It penetrates to the depths of one’s heart to deal with the problem, not the symptom. Conflict isn’t the problem; it is the result of a heart problem. Jesus’ peace deals with the heart and works its way out into all aspects of our lives.

The peace Jesus gives makes His people peacemakers. As with all of His gifts, they are not given to be simply enjoyed or hoarded. His peace is given making us peacemakers. We offer His peace to those around us. This is not some sort of mushy, sappy don’t-rock-the-boat peace. It is offering Jesus’ peace, granting peace via acts of mercy and compassion, establishing peace, and recognizing this as a means of grace in people’s lives. We are not concerned simply with the absence of conflict. We are people who have been entrusted with the ministry of reconciliation. We desire to address the heart of the matter bringing people to Jesus who is the One who deals with the heart.

“My peace I give to you.” Beloved, let us receive His peace, pass His peace, and be the people of peace that Jesus wants us to be.

Keep Close to Jesus
Pastor Gerry


A Pause To Ponder God's Word is written and distributed by Gerald Whetstone, Ordained Elder and teacher in the Church of the Nazarene. These devotionals may be transmitted, duplicated, used in part or in entirety without permission for nonprofit purposes only. Responses welcome. To Subscribe Click Here.
Return to Devotional Index