Most Read Bible Verses---#61---John 14:27

John 14:27 (NIV)

“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you.  I do not give to you as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid”.

There’s something very reassuring about the thought and imagery of Jesus sitting with His disciples and telling them that He is leaving His peace with them.  The word Jesus used for peace is “eirene” (pronounced ‘I-ray-nay’) that means “prosperity”, “quietness”, and “rest”.  When you think of the world and what it offers, do these words come to mind?  Hardly.  The word “prosperity” is used mostly in the Old Testament and has a wide variety of meanings, all positive, such as good, best, bountiful, glad, pleasant, joyful, loving, sweet, and at ease.  So when Jesus says that He leaves us His peace, such peace has many different positive manifestations. 

Anyone reading this devotional likely has a troubled and fearful heart.  We live in times of significant economic turmoil.  We all are troubled by escalating energy costs, joblessness, war and rumors of war, political uncertainties, corruption, immorality, and the list goes on and on.  We are experiencing so many threats and actual attacks on our ability to live peaceful lives.  Think about the fact that Jesus said these words 2,000 years ago so, seemingly, there never has been a time of peace and lack of trouble in this world.  It won’t go away.  Yet, Jesus promises a way to deal with it. 

To apply His ways in our lives, note that He emphasizes the free choice that we have.  He says “do not let” your hearts be troubled.  We have the choice, He is not going to force us to act one way or another.  This is a great mystery---why God allowed free will ever since He created mankind.  Jesus requires our faith once again.  We either believe in Him and what He promises or we don’t.  It’s entirely our choice.  It really does take a giant leap of faith to say to ourselves “I am going to have peace about the circumstances in my life and the world around and I am not going to be troubled nor be fearful”.  Yet, that is exactly what Jesus expects.  And, through His Spirit within you, if you allow Him to fill and lead you, He will do it for you.  He will give you peace and take away your fears.