Devotion for September 23, 2008

Peace Verses Tribulation

"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." (John 16:33 NKJV)

Jesus was about to be taken captive to the cross, and He says to His disciples, "In Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation." The peace to which he refers is the peace of soul, peace with God, a peace that comes from a personal relationship with Christ.

The world does not know of this peace. It could be that they envy the believer's peace. We may not understand the whole of it, but it is certain the world in its ignorance will test the metal of every believer. That peace they see in you will provoke them to hate you just as they hated Christ. He said, "Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake." (Matthew 5:11 NKJV) Truly, those who will live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution (2 Tim 3:12).

However, my dear friends do not miss the last part of the verse above. "Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." While men may persecute us from now until death, we may have peace in Christ for He has overcome the world. He will raise us up some day and we will bask in His glory. Be of good cheer my friends.

How do you walk in this peace? Consider the follow words from the Book of Philippians.

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things [are] noble, whatever things [are] just, whatever things [are] pure, whatever things [are] lovely, whatever things [are] of good report, if [there is] any virtue and if [there is] anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things." (Philippians 4:6-8 NKJV)

Jesus said, "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace." What had He told them? He had just said to them, "Most assuredly, I say to you that you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice; and you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will be turned into joy." (John 16:20 NKJV) By this He referred to his death, burial, and resurrection.

Friends, we serve a risen Lord. If you are His then you believe that He will raise you up in the last day. Is there anything this world has to offer that can eclipse such a marvelous future? Is there anything the world can do to you to take away your home in heaven? Meditate on these things and the peace of God will guard your heart and mind.