Today’s Reading: John 14:27-31
Hearing God’s Voice for Today:
“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives to you…For the Father is greater than I.”
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Jesus wants to give you the gift of his peace. The Hebrew word translated “peace” is shalom. It’s a much richer word than the English word peace.
The English word suggests an absence of conflict, turmoil, and trials. By contrast, shalom means positive blessing—especially in terms of a relationship with the Father. It’s the sense that all is well. Everything in your life is working as designed.
That’s the kind of peace Jesus wants you to experience. You are able to rejoice because you know the Father is working through the trials you face. You know that tribulation is bringing about perseverance, and perseverance proven character, and proven character hope. This hope never disappoints because it knows the Holy Spirit is pouring out God’s love inside your heart.8
Shalom is what Jesus desires to give to you. The world can’t give it. It tries to give peace—the absence of conflict—but has never been successful. There are always hot spots around the globe that cause tensions. There always will be until Jesus returns.
Jesus’ peace is his personal, abiding presence—no matter what is surrounding you.
Jesus also said that the Father is greater than him. That does not mean that he has more power and authority. It does not mean that Jesus is inferior to the Father in any way.
Rather, it means that Jesus willingly submitted his power and authority to the Father’s request that he come to earth and die on a cross to save the lost. During the Savior’s thirty-plus years on earth, he gladly and willingly submitted his will to the Father’s.
Jesus did not think of equality with the Father as something to be grasped. He put on human flesh in the form of a servant. He humbled myself in obedience to the point of death on the cross. While on earth, he submitted to the Father’s authority. It was his joy to do so.
The Son did all this for love. He gave up his power and position in heaven to save you. He wanted to show you the nature of the Father. In the Old Testament, people heard about him. In the New Testament, they saw him. The Old Testament is like radio. The New Testament is like television.
At one time, people only heard about the Father. But through Jesus, they could see the Father face to face.
Jesus came to give you shalom. Receive it today. It’s what will allow you to lie down and sleep peacefully, knowing the Lord will keep you safe. His peace brings quietness and confidence of soul. It flows like a gentle river, and guards your heart and mind as you rest in him.
This peace is available to all God’s children. It eliminates fear. It causes trouble to melt before it. It surpasses all understanding.
The world can’t give it to you.
His presence will.
[from “Hearing the Voice of God” by Pastor David Chadwick, Moments of Hope Church, Charlotte, NC]