Scripture: John 14:25-27
[Jesus said], “I have said these things to you while I am still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.”
Thought for the Day: On this day, just a little over 1150 years ago, Edgar the Peaceful became King of England. As a kid, I came across his name and was fascinated with a king who was described as peaceful. That was not the image I had of a king. It wasn’t until years later that I learned more about Edgar the Peaceful and how he unified much of England into a workable state, though his tactics were not always very peaceful. One of the central teachings of Jesus is that peace – true peace – does not come about through violence or threats of violence. A state of forced calm might exist for a time, but if the threat of violence is the tool by which the calm is maintained, is it really peace? Do the individuals feel serenity if threats are a constant possibility? Jesus knew the disciples and the early church would experience great stress, threats of violence and persecution. Peace is not something that can be imposed, but it can be given and received — given by God and received by faithful people. It is this spirit of peace that allows a follower of Jesus to remain faithful even when the world and individuals within that world are causing great anxiety through acts of violence and hate. If we want to be the voice of peace in the world, we must know peace deep within us…not simply a one time discovery, but an ongoing process of faithful discipline. When the church has been intentional about seeking this peace, it has become a tremendous tool by which alternatives to violence have been offered, and genuine reconciliation and healing have come.
Prayer: O Source of Peace, may I seek you out each day for the purpose of becoming your peaceful agent in a world hungry for a genuine sense of shalom. Amen.
