Another time, another meal
Easter afternoon we’ll join our son, daughter-in-law, and two granddaughters for dinner in their home—with six other guests.
E. and H. have planned a Georgian feast, based on traditional dishes from the Eastern European country of Georgia. (Did you know that 85% of that nation’s population are Christian? I certainly didn’t.)
Each family or single person attending this celebration has been given a recipe, so we’ll be able to sample eight different dishes of this new cuisine. And because of the many delicious meals we’ve enjoyed with E. and H., we know:
Within the warm ambiance of their home and the congenial atmosphere as we converse and laugh together, each of our individual concerns will recede to the background. In their place, joy, contentedness, and peace (shalom) will settle upon our spirits.
By contrast, the Passover feast that Jesus celebrated with his disciples, the night before his crucifixion, held little joy or peace for him. In fact, the Apostle John wrote, “Jesus was troubled in spirit” [1].
He knew what would happen that night and into the next day: the pain of betrayal, scourging [2], a crown of thorns thrust on his head, mockery, the crucifixion, and separation from his Father.
The plan had already been set in motion, when Judas approached the chief priests and officers of the temple guard to discuss how—for a price—he might hand Jesus over to them when no crowd was present [3].
Under these stressful circumstances Jesus stated to his disciples, “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” [4].
The Amplified Version adds: “Let My perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge.”
But if Jesus was troubled in his own spirit, how could he promise his peace to the disciples? How could he tell them not to be troubled?
The answer lies in his confidence in his Father. Though fully aware of the suffering to come, Jesus displayed confidence in the purpose and power of his Father and moved forward unhesitatingly to meet the pending crisis [5].
Consider his demeanor over the next eighteen hours or so. Jesus conducted himself with calm quietude from the moment of his arrest to his last breath on the cross. God did indeed supply courage and strength for every torment.
This is the nature of the peace Christ gives to all of us who trust in him [6].
But how do we avail ourselves of this precious gift? (And for those of us who are familiar with these ways to peace, how well are we implementing them?)
Get to know God in his Word.
We considered one way in the post, “Celebrating God in the Psalms.” So many of his attributes and gracious actions are highlighted in these ancient songs.
No God, no peace. Know God, know peace.
–Croft M. Pentz
Practice his presence.
Possibilities include expressing gratitude, speaking simple prayers throughout the day, and singing worship songs.
Be quick to praise God.
You’ll find your cares reduced and your anxieties lessened. The result: expanded peace.
Focus less on the problems ahead and more on the victories behind.
–Max Lucado, Mocha with Max, 82
Come Sunday, our son and daughter-in-law’s home will provide a splendid place of refuge and peace—for a few hours.
How glorious to contemplate that Christ’s refuge and peace is much more splendorous, much more impactful, and for all time!
* * * * * * * * * *
Thank you, Lord Jesus Christ, for enduring unimaginable suffering in order to restore our relationship with God and provide the gift of eternal life. Now you are our Lord of peace, ready to give us peace at all times and in every way. You ARE indeed worthy to receive honor and glory and praise!
1 Peter 3:18; 2 Thessalonians 3:16; Revelation 5:12
[1] John 13:21
[2] A flogging, inflicted with a whip of leather straps imbedded with pieces of metal and glass, meant to rip into the flesh. Such a brutal beating often led to death.
[3] Luke 22:1-6
[4] John 14:27
[5] Merrill Tenney, www.preceptaustin.org
[6] Colossians 3:15
Image credits: Nancy Ruegg; http://www.canva.com (3); http://www.pxhere.com; http://www.flickr.com.
From the Inside Out 