DEVOTION – DAY 582

John 14:27 “Peace Through Salvation”

John 14:27 “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.”

It was a common greeting in ancient times to wish “peace be with you, or Shalom” when Jews greeted each other. This tradition carried on for centuries in various communities. But when people greet each other in this way, they really mean that they hope or wish that whoever they greet may enjoy peace. This may or may not happen. It is simply a wish or a longing for peace. This is how the world gives peace as v27 above reminds us.

But the peace that Jesus talks about in v27 above is a different kind of peace. It looks towards Jesus’ redemptive work on the cross. By His sacrificial work on the cross to atone for the sins of those who call on Him as their Lord and Savior, Jesus gives His peace. This peace ensures the well-being and inner rest of our human spirit because it restores the broken fellowship we have with God because of our sins and sinful nature. What was once broken is now restored – Christians have a relationship with the eternal and holy God, their Almighty Creator. Because the way is open to fellowship with God and enjoy His presence in the lives of Christians, Jesus tells us not to be afraid or have troubled hearts because God will never leave us or forsake us. What a wonderful blessing and promise!

We know someone who was far from God but one day, because of a crisis at home, he thought he would go to church to see if someone could pray for him. After church, as a newcomer, he was approached by a church leader who prayed for him. After listening to him, the church leader shared the gospel with him and invited him to receive God’s gift of salvation. In doing so, he would be able to pray for himself. He agreed and he was led to receive Jesus into his life as his Lord and Savior. Since then, he has experienced His peace in all circumstances and he is joyful. 

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, we worship you because you are the loving and merciful. Not wanting us to be judged for our sins, you gave us your One and Only Son, the Lord Jesus, to atone for our sins on the cross. Thank you for your gift of salvation. Please help us to actively share the gospel to our family, friends and colleagues so that they too can experience your peace through receiving Jesus as Lord and Savior. We pray this in the mighty name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Questions

  1. Who amongst your family members, friends, colleagues and contacts that you know does not have a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus? 
  2. How will you plan to share the gospel with them so that they could become a child of God? How will you pray for their salvation?
  3. How have you experienced His peace now that you are a child of God? Share.
  4. What changes have you seen in yourself since you became a child of God?