“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.” – John 14:27
A large part of the world is built and continually dependent on the lack of peace. Advertisers know that in order to sell a product or service, they often must first convince you of your deficiency without their offer. News sources know they must convince you of inherent anxiety that you can not shed without hearing the story they’re about to share (after these messages). Our economy and daily connection to what’s happening in the world threatens to be shaped by these forces on a regular basis.
Into that kind of existence, we receive the words from Jesus again:
“I’m giving you peace…and I know the world offers you peace also. The world offers you peace if you buy their product. The world offers you peace if you utilize their services. The world offers you an equation by which if you do “A”, they’ll accomplish “B”, and the outcome will be “C” (A + B = C). But even if you attain “C” in this world, it is a peace that continues to allow disturbance so that you will continue to purchase the product, utilize the service, and listen to their voice of influence.
In fact, I want you to take an entire day off every week. You don’t have to, but I invite you to gladly because it will shape your soul. One day out of every 7, step out of the routines and paces of this world to declare and remember your freedom from them. My peace and freedom are not an equation. They are not dependent on any conditions of this world. They are a gift that is continually poured out by the Holy Spirit – your advocate sent by my Father to remind you of all these things.”
May we respond to His invitation to Sabbath this week in ways that free us to be people of peace during the other 6 days as well…
words from wick 