It takes effort to pursue the things of peace, in our houses, in the Lord’s house, and even in our hearts. Often peace seems to us as thin ice, as built on sand in hurricane season, as a slippery slope when we have no rope.
“It is a fanciful thing to dream of tranquility in the midst of so much iniquity….What peace can be expected, whilst the highest provocations are continued?” —John Flavel
We see sin, temptations to sin, sinners, conflict, wars within and around. Sin abounds.
But where sin abounds, we listen to Jesus.
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (John 14:27 ESV)
This was on the night He was betrayed, the night He instituted the Supper, the night before He was “pierced for our transgressions,” before He bore “the chastisement that brought us peace” (Isaiah 53:5). Sin abounded. And that is when He promised peace. That is when Jesus promised His disciples the Holy Spirit, the Spirit who produces love, joy, and peace.
Christian, you know Him who is the way, and the truth, and the life. You know the Father through His Son. In you dwells the Spirit of truth whom the world neither sees or knows. “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body” (Colossians 3:15).
we share in this Bread of Life
And we drink of His sacrifice
As a sign of our bonds of peace
Around the table of the King
—Behold the Lamb (Communion Hymn)