The assassination of Charlie Kirk, another school shooting, a church shooting, wars in Ukraine and Gaza, tensions with China; these are just a few of the things going on that makes it feel like the world is spinning out of control. While I’m sure it has felt like this at other times in history, this is where we are today. If one follows the news stories, it’s easy to feel fear and anxiety rising within. It’s ironic that this can all lead to feelings of anger, blame, and hatred, the very thoughts behind war and conflict.
What I find amazing is that Jesus, knowing that He would be unjustly executed the next morning, tells His disciples, “My peace I give to you.” He said, “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.” (John 14:27, NASB95). Jesus went on to say, “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33).
How could Jesus say He had peace, knowing that He would be sent to the cross out of hatred and jealousy, without regard for the law? Could it be that He knew the Father was in control and would sustain Him, there was a greater cause at stake (see Hebrews 12:2), and that He would have a reunion in heaven when it was over? Knowing what was ahead for His disciples, Jesus obviously wanted them to know that they too could have this same peace.
Does God want all His followers to have peace amid chaos and uncertainty? The apostle Paul wrote of a peace that wouldn’t be humanly logical in his letter to the Philippian church. He urged them not to give in to anxious thoughts but to pray, then said this, “And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7).
The contrast could not be greater between workers of wickedness and what Jesus would offer. He said, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10). Christ came to offer life by becoming the substitutionary sacrifice for our sin. God used the evil of His crucifixion to become the means through which He could allow the guilt of our sin to be paid by the sacrifice of Jesus. In so doing He broke the power of sin to control and ultimately to eternally condemn those who would receive His offer. Jesus’ offer, complete forgiveness, is not earned or deserved by any, but received by faith in Jesus and His sacrifice on their behalf. Gaining this peace with God is the foundation for peace in the midst of chaos and conflict. Do you have it? You can…
— Reflections appears regularly on the religion page. The column features a variety of local writers, coordinated through the Monroe Area Clergy Group. Dan Krahenbuhl is pastor of Monroe Bible Church.
