Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:27
In what some writers have called Jesus’s last will and testament, He bestows His peace on His disciples. Let’s take a few moments and consider what an awesome gift this is.
The word peace is the Greek word eirene. (You probably recognize the name, Irene, in the word.) Of course, this is a translation of the Hebrew word shalom. It encompasses all the following:
An end to enmity with God and a restoration of the relationship.
Relief from wondering where we stand before God.
Calm reassurance in the most trying circumstances.
Dissipation of fear.
Harmony in our relationships with those around us.
Stillness in the midst of the noise of the world.
A foretaste of the eternal rest that awaits us.
A confident knowledge that it is complete and irrevocable.
So in John 14:27, Jesus, our great High Priest assures us His peace is a free gift resulting from His sacrifice. It isn’t meted out based on our work or worthiness or even proof that we have or will use it wisely.
Now compare it to the last line of Aaron’s blessing on Israel. Because he was the High Priest, when Aaron spoke these words, he was pronouncing the blessing of Jehovah Himself.
The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace. Numbers 6:27
It conveys the idea of living under the full measure of His grace, favor, joy, and protection. He is the Father whose delight in us is boundless.
Spanning the Old and New Testament, peace is the summation of our relationship with God. It weaves together what He’s done for us, all that’s is available to us now and what we look forward to. As you study, be on the lookout for the word peace and take to heart the things you learn. In your daily life be ever more mindful of His peace.
