Picture this…your country has been taken over by a foreign power. They have set up every level of governance according to their will. They rule harshly, and tax heavily. If anyone dare steps out of line, they are made a public spectacle of, by crucifying them on a cross along the busiest roads. No sign is needed - the picture says a thousand words - “Step out of line and we’ll kill you!” And it is into this scene that Jesus spoke the words, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world gives, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27)
Our world today is experiencing evil entities vying for power. Their desire is to control not just our countries, but the world. Our freedoms are diminishing fast and it’s nerve wracking watching evil triumph. But Jesus’ words are just as much for us, as they were for the early church. It isn’t enough to have a mental agreement that His words are right and lovely; we have to apply it and live it.
Why can we have peace in chaos? Because He has not left the Throne, nor has His authority over the whole earth waned. Throughout history He has always allowed evil leaders to reign for a while, and we can see why; It is in this darkness “that He calls us into His marvelous light.” (1 Peter 2:9)
These are days of refining. Our humanness wants to fight back against this evil in the same way the early zealots did, but God calls us NOT to be pacifists, but to fight the spiritual fight (which is the real and eternal fight). We are called to put on the armor of God and be salt and light in a world of rot and darkness. Can we truly have peace while we do this? Yes!
But there is one godly trait He requests of us all, in order that we may have peace, and that is love. His love. Without it, there is no peace and there is no harmony. This is our calling.
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