Jesus knew He was leaving.
He knew why He had come to the earth, and He knew why He had to go.
He was not ignorant of the Father's plan...or the timing of it all.
So He did what every good leader would do - He tried to prepare those He led.
"I won't leave you orphans," He promised (vs 18).
"A helper will come (vs 16)."
My littlest children are still quite attached to their Mama.
If I put my shoes on, they want to know where I'm going.
If I'm walking to the mailbox, they are going with me.
If I'm getting in the car, they are asking if they can come.
Any quest that takes me beyond the walls of this house, begins with a hundred questions.
"Where are you going?"
"When will you be home?"
"How long will it take?"
"Will you miss me? I will miss you."
"Who will watch us?"
"Does Dad know what to make for dinner?"
And I know where it comes from...a mix of genuine love for their Mama and genuine insecurity that I'll really come back. Years into their adoption, I'm still proving Mamas come home. So as the questions come flying, I do my best to be ready to answer.
"Hey, guys. I'm leaving today around 2 for thirty minutes to pick up your brother, but I will come back. While I'm gone, I'm leaving Dad a snack of granola bars so you won't be hungry and dinner is in the crock pot, so we can eat on time."
What am I doing? Preparing them.
Why? Because I want them to know that even though things will be different - things will be okay.
And that's what I think of when I read John 14 - I hear the voice of Jesus speaking to the disciples as they gather in close like my children. I imagine it resting upon their ears like the calm voice of a mother preparing those she loves for her departure, "I've got to go soon, my loves, but don't worry. I'm not leaving you alone."
And then He leans in and adds to His words an incredible gift,
"I'm leaving something of mine behind for you. Something that I want you to hold on to: MY PEACE."
My peace.
Not the blissful ignorance that masquerades as peace found at the bottom of a bottle.
Not the numbing of the mind offered by the overindulgence of junk food, technology, or pills.
Not the distraction of noise, relationships, exercise, or busyness that for a short while keeps you so consumed you can pretend peace.
But actual, true, REAL peace.
The peace of God "that passes all understanding (Phil. 4)."
"So let not your heart be troubled..."
Don't let your heart be "agitated, anxious, disquieted, or restless."
Don't "worry or live in dread."
"...nor be afraid."
You weren't made for "timidity" or to live your days "fearful."
Because..."You have heard it said..."
I read these words and think, "How do these words keep the disciples from being troubled? How do these words make them brave?"
And then it clicks.
Because they are His words. His promises.
And one antidote for anxiety is found in the HOPE of His promises.
It's found in His Word.
What has He said?
Do you know?
Have you planted yourself in His truth?
As years have gone by, I've become quite good at preparing my children for my very few-and-far- between departures. I've learned they go smoother when I prepare them. I've learned they go even better when I leave something behind for them - something of mine to hold on to.
God's peace is that for you, my friend.
And to hold on to it, you must also wrap your arms tightly around His Word.
There is peace woven into every page of promises.
Today, as we end our study, I leave some here for you "hold on to."
Isaiah 40:31
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
Matthew 11:28-30
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Colossians 1:13-14
“He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”
James 1:5
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.”
1 John 1:9
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
John 8:36
“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”
Phil 4:19
“And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”
Psalm 50:15
“Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.”
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