“Peace I leave with you.” John 14:27
John 14:27 is the hand-written word-art hanging on the wall of my family room; the verse that brings my husband comfort when he is missing his dad. Those five simple letters are what I rest in when I am uncertain of the path in front of me. One word, really: Peace. It’s what gave Moses confidence to raise his staff in faith knowing that the waters would part in the nick of time (Exodus 14:21). It was the song of the Israelites as they ascended the mountain to Jerusalem to worship the Lord and seek His presence (Psalm 122). It was Isaiah’s description of the coming Messiah (Isaiah 9:6) and what the angel chorus sang to shepherds as they announced the birth of our Lord (Luke 2:14). It is where the apostle Paul points the church when he said, “He Himself, is our peace” (Ephesians 2:14) and it is how the Holy Spirit displays itself in a person’s life (The fruit of the spirit is [among other things] peace. Galatians 5:22).
Do you have peace? If you don’t, I bet you wish you did. After all, aside from our salvation, peace is the greatest gift we could ever possess because peace is Jesus. God knew how much this world needed it when He sent his son into the world with this announcement: “And he shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace!” Jesus knew we couldn’t be without it that He left it for His disciples right before His death: “Peace I leave with you” said Jesus. He reminded them again of that peace when He came to them after His resurrection and said “Peace be with you” showing them His nail-scarred hands and side. The Prince of Peace was not talking about some dreamy wistful feeling. His presence was Peace. It still is.
Peace is strong, it’s intense, it’s discernible, it’s real. Peace is what soothes but it is also what strengthens. It allows us to step out in faith, wait with expectancy, move on with purpose, and it is what marks the life of a spirit-filled believer. True peace can only come through knowing Jesus because, as prophesied in Micah, He is our peace. May this season, despite all the busyness and trappings, bring you the peace He has left us. Yes, during it all, may the “Peace of Christ rule in your heart” now and always.
Have a Merry, Peace filled Christmas!
Wendy Huizinga
Music & Worship Arts Director
