Meditate. Picture Jesus about to Jerusalem
and His passion for the people there.
But as he came closer to Jerusalem and saw
the city ahead, he began to weep. "How I wish today that you of all people
would understand the way to peace. But now it is too late, and peace is hidden
from your eyes. Before long your enemies will build ramparts against your walls
and encircle you and close in on you from every side. They will crush you into
the ground, and your children with you. Your enemies will not leave a single
stone in place, because you did not accept your opportunity for
salvation." Luke 19:41-44
Jesus wept over the city of Jerusalem, over
its people for whom He wished peace. A peace He could give them if only they
accepted Him…recognized Him as the Son of God, their Messiah. Earlier in His
ministry and their training, Jesus had told His disciples the reason He came.
Don't imagine that I came to bring peace to
the earth! I came not to bring peace, but a sword. 'I have come to set a man
against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law
against her mother-in-law. Your enemies will be right in your own household!' Matthew
10:34-36
Jesus didn’t come to bring peace. He came
to bring salvation…but not covered in palms, roses or pansies. Salvation paid
with a price—which is His blood. As He rode a donkey into Jerusalem at
the beginning of His last week—a day we commemorate at Palm Sunday, His
disciples and followers chanted Hosanna, saying they were looking for a King to
bring peace to Israel. Peace, quoting Psalm 118.
"Blessings on the King who comes in the
name of the LORD! Peace in heaven, and glory in highest heaven!" Luke
19:38
Jesus knew He was not the conquering King
they were expecting, but a spiritual King that would bring them peace in their
hearts, not peace on this earthly world.
The Psalms, written mainly by David and the
Sons of Korah, spoke of God’s peace.
But give great joy to those who came to my
defense. Let them continually say, "Great is the LORD, who delights in blessing
his servant with peace!" Psalm 35:27
The LORD gives his people strength. The LORD
blesses them with peace. Psalm 29:11
I listen carefully to what God the LORD is
saying, for he speaks peace to his faithful people. But let them not return to
their foolish ways. Psalm 85:8
God does want His people to have peace.
Peace is part of the Fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, Peace, patience, kindness,
goodness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). Peace passes all
understanding. Peace is desirable—but it is not what Jesus came to give. Just
as He said, He came to be a sword. We can see that a sword is the Word of God,
as described by Paul. Additionally, John tells us that Jesus is the Word.
Put on salvation as your helmet, and take
the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:17
For the word of God is alive and powerful.
It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and
spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and
desires. Hebrews 4:12
In the beginning the Word already existed.
The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with
God. God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through
him. The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought
light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never
extinguish it. John 1:1-5
Jesus spoke to the people once more and
said, "I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won't have to
walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life."
John 8:12
I hope I’m not manipulating Scripture here,
but rather tying it together to see truths about Jesus. He is a sword; He is
the Word; and He is light. Jesus is the Word of God…He is God. He is the light
of the world. He will give peace and hope to those who believe in Him as their
Lord and Savior. During His last supper with His disciples He spoke to them
about His future…and their future, to give them hope. He offers us that same
peace and hope.
I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind
and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be
troubled or afraid. Remember what I told you: I am going away, but I will come
back to you again. If you really loved me, you would be happy that I am going
to the Father, who is greater than I am. I have told you these things before
they happen so that when they do happen, you will believe. John 14:27-29
Believe. Receive Jesus as Lord and Savior,
accepting His gift of peace of mind and heart. Don’t be troubled or afraid—even
during this time of isolation. Have hope that just as Jesus promised He will
come back again. Keep seeking Him daily, to know more about Him and the peace
that He gives to those who love Him. Be sure not to keep this a secret…share
the news of Jesus with others. It is not false news. It is Good News.
 |
| Where is the peace in your puzzle of life? |
Prayer
~ Jesus, Life is like a puzzle…the piece of peace may be hidden to some. Show
me if there is someone You have chosen to know You with whom I need to share
Your knowledge and peace. Please reveal them now. To me, You are Hope. You are
Light. I treasure Your gift of Peace…as well as joy, love, patience, kindness,
goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control. You are an awesome God.
You are my God and I eagerly await Your return.
Verse of Salvation ~ For the wages of sin is
death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 6:23
If you agree, disagree, or have questions as you seek to know Jesus, please comment below. Blessings.
©
2020 Text and drawings by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
Unless
otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation,
copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of
Tyndale House
Publishers, Inc. Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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