Text: John 14:23-29
23 Jesus answered him, “Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. 24 Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; and the word that you hear is not mine, but is from the Father who sent me.
25 “I have said these things to you while I am still with you. 26 But the Advocate,[a] the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you. 27 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. 28 You heard me say to you, ‘I am going away, and I am coming to you.’ If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father, because the Father is greater than I. 29 And now I have told you this before it occurs, so that when it does occur, you may believe.
Meditation:
This text is a part of Jesus’ farewell address to his disciples, beginning in John 13:31, “Dear children, I will be with you only a little longer.” This prompted Peter’s bold assertion that he would follow Jesus anywhere and Jesus’ rebuttal that before the night was over, Peter would deny him three times.
Then Jesus began to reassure his disciples that despite his coming absence he would not leave them unprepared or unequipped. “Trust in God, and trust also in me,” he said. John 14:1. Verses 23-29 seem especially appropriate in this week of Advent, the week of Peace as its theme. “I am leaving you with a gift – peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give you is a gift the world cannot give.” John 14:27, NLT.
A question that is appropriate for the intersection of this text and our times is this. When do we, today, abandon this gift of peace from Jesus in preference for the false peace offered by the world?
Poetry:
Only in Thee
by Thomas O. Chisholm, 1903
Only in Thee, O Savior mine,
Dwelleth my soul in peace divine,
Peace that the world, though all combine,
Never can take from me.
Pleasures of earth, so seemingly sweet,
Fail at the last my longings to meet;
Only in Thee my bliss is complete,
Only, dear Lord, in Thee!
Only in Thee a radiance bright,
Shines like a beacon in the night,
Guiding my pilgrim bark aright,
Over life’s trackless sea.
Only in Thee, when troubles molest,
When with temptation I am oppressed,
There is a sweet pavilion of rest,
Only, dear Lord, in Thee!
Only in Thee, when days are drear,
When neither sun nor stars appear,
Still I can trust and feel no fear,
Sing when I cannot see.
Only in Thee, whatever betide,
All of my need is freely supplied;
There is no help nor helper beside,
Only, dear Lord, in Thee!
Only in Thee, dear Savior, slain,
Losing Thy life my own to gain,
Trusting, I’m cleansed from ev’ry stain;
Thou art my only plea.
Only in Thee my heart will delight,
Till in that land where cometh no night
Faith will be lost in heavenly sight,
Only, dear Lord, in Thee!
Prayer:
Dear Father, We live in a world of turmoil and distress. There is much to distract and depress us if we focus on the waves of doubt all around. Like Peter, we could sink if we take our eyes off you. If we let the prevailing pessimism to influence us and destroy our calm. So in this prayer we ask for you to remind us of the Peace you offer to all those who know and trust you. May that bring enduring joy to us and help us long for the future you bring. In Jesus’ name we pray this. Amen.
Activity:
Spend 30 minutes today, occupying yourself with the Peace of God, either by praying, taking a walk, reading, or meditating. Focus on the calmness you receive at such times.