Peace and Jesus
“These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” - John 16:33. (Emphasis added)
Humanity desires peace. This is true personally as well as societally. Yet, this aspiration runs afoul of the turmoil that is ever-present. With urgency and determination people pursue peace, by the process, leaving disruption in their wake. Like a speedboat on the lake. The craft’s very movement across the water sends out ripples disturbing the smooth surface. The faster the pursuit for tranquility goes, the rougher the waters become. What if there is another way? A way that is contradictory to our understanding? A way that despite the ripples and swells allows for personal rest (sabbath)?
As Jesus pointed out in the above verse, it begins with moderating expectations and is solidified by changing the source for one’s calm. Let me explain. The expectation for societal peace cannot be misconstrued to be the absence of turmoil. In this world that is an impossibility. Since the garden, there has been conflict, wrath, and strife. With the passing of time, this has only increased. Jesus says that to be in this realm is to exists in a state of upheaval. Regardless of what people do to lesson or eradicate disagreements, differences of values, and violence, others will not. In addition, as Daniel’s account records, there are spiritual forces at work stirring up conflict (see Dan 10:10-21), denying the world of peace. Jesus-followers are encouraged, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men” (Rom 12:18). This command carries the implicit understanding that one person cannot assure peace. At least no one born of man and woman.
So, there must be a change in attitude regarding peace. Those trusting Jesus must accept, beyond what peace they are able to establish in their spheres of influence (Rom 12:18) that conflict, disruptions, and violence will be present and will increase. Which leads to the second half, the portion of hope, that Jesus shared. The single element that changes the dynamic of peace in an unsettled world is the arrival of the Prince of Peace. He is the resolution of the conundrum. In this continual disruptive state, peace can be found. But only in Jesus. He is the one who has “overcome the world” and its attendant distresses. In the coming years, as transgressions increase, Jesus is the way forward so as not to be tossed about and harried in a chaotic environment.
There is a natural connection between Jesus’ words in John and His experience with Peter on the Sea of Galilee (Matthew 14:22-36). Demonstrated there in flesh and blood is the abstract declaration found in John. With Peter’s gaze upon Jesus, the howling winds, the height of the waves, or the sea spray did not disappear. The storm was not calmed. But, it mattered little. The surroundings faded into the background. The one who calmly passing through the storm held both his attention and condition. Only when Peter’s stare was broken, was Peter’s experience of the calm of Jesus overwhelmed by the turbulence around him.
In this world, in calm or instability, there is tribulation. No one is excluded from its waves. Placing hope in a change of circumstance is fruitless, destined for disappointment. Instead place trust in the care and protection of the one who holds power over creation. He who is “seated . . . at [God’s] right hand in the heavenly places far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come” (Eph 1:20–21). In Jesus peace amid the valley of darkness and death is found.