PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Luke 19:41-44
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace…” (Luke 19:42)
Living in peace is not a right in our world.
If we’ve experienced peace for much of our lives, that is bonus, not a right.
People throughout history have experienced the horrors that Jesus describes here.
Not only people without God, but all people, even people who trusted God.
How do we find peace in this world… it is not in external peace.
Peace comes from knowing Jesus, knowing what he has done and will do for us.
This peace is not like worldly peace, it is a soul peace that death cannot take from us.
It is a peace that endures even when the enemy encircles, hems and dashes (vv.43-44).
It is a peace that knows NOTHING can separate us from the love of God in Jesus.
We can be thankful when we do experience seasons of relative peace in our world.
But we should also remember that many others in our world are not experiencing peace.
And we should not be surprised when events and experiences rob our world of peace.
But through it all, do we know what will really bring us peace… do we know Jesus?
Am I personally experiencing peace right now… if not, why not?
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for reminding me that my peace is not found in my external circumstances but in you. Help me to renew myself in your presence and your promise… for this is my peace!
What stands in the way of my devotion and desire to be with, like and for Jesus? What it is the ‘temple’ or security that I pay attention to that holds back my devotion. I need to give it all and entrust it all to Jesus and let go – then and only then can I have peace. Lord, I’m on the way – help me to grow in total trust wherever you lead me. Let my wants for a physical Jerusalem not stand in the way!
Lord help me recognize the time of you coming into my life, so that I may not be dashed to pieces without your peace holding me together. Thank you for being here for me, for being my support and refuge.
Thank you Lord Jesus that you brought me through the Holy Spirit into a personal relationship with you. I have peace no matter what the circumstances because you are with me the Prince of Peace and you left your peace that surpasses understanding with your followers. In response I live for you, with you and in you Lord Jesus.
Jerusalem – the city of peace – God’s presence among His people. Yet the people did not understand His presence among them. God through Christ brings peace, a peace that the world can not give. Only those who walk in His SonShine have the peace of God within them. His mercies are new every morning and I need that as I walk with Him this day He has made.
When we walk with the Lord in the light of his Word
What a glory he sheds on our way!
While we do his good will, he abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.
Trust and obey, for there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.