Today the world collectively longs for peace. A global pandemic frightens us. Racial injustice angers us. Political unrest divides us. Two thousand years ago Jesus entered a world that also longed for peace. God’s people had gone for generations without hearing from Him. War and upheaval had weakened their resolve. They had been influenced by the cultures around them and elements of Pagan religion had seeped into their worship. Religious and ethnic strife grew. Persecution intensified. Peace seemed out of reach. Then, at just the right time, God sent His Son. (Galatians 4:4) Peace had arrived, but it had come in an unexpected package.
For a child will be born to us, a Son will be given to us and the government will be on His shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. – Isaiah 9:6 CSB
Before Jesus went to the cross, He told His followers about His gift of peace. “I am leaving you with a gift – peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. Remember what I told you: I am going away, but I will come back to you again.” (John 14:27-28)
When Jesus said this, He knew they were about to face the most troubling and scary time of their lives and He was telling them to have peace no matter what. Jesus didn’t promise the absence of struggles; He promised peace despite them.
“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in Me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart because I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33 NLT
Jesus said, “Take heart!” When the world seems to be falling apart around you, remember these words from your Savior. Today Jesus offers peace that calms us in every circumstance and gives us courage and strength for every challenge. And one day He will come again to bring peace on earth.
Fast forward to the end of His story and see for yourself:
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared. And the sea was also gone. And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven like a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.
I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among His people! He will live with them, and they will be His people. God Himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.
And the One sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new!” – Revelations 21:1-5 NLT
