Scripture: John 14:27-31

27 "Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give peace to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid. 28 You heard Me say that I am going away. But I am coming back to you. If you love Me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father. The Father is greater than I. 29 I have told you this before it happens. Then when it does happen, you will believe. 30 "I will not talk much more with you. The leader of this world is coming. He has no power over Me. 31 I am doing what the Father told Me to do so the world may know I love the Father. Come, let us be on our way.

Meditation: Do you know the peace which passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7)? In his farewell discourse Jesus grants peace as his gift to his disciples. What kind of peace does he offer? The peace of Christ is more than the absence of trouble. It includes everything which makes for our highest good. The world's approach to peace is avoidance of trouble and a refusal to face unpleasant things. Jesus offers the peace which conquers our fears and anxieties. Nothing can take us from the peace and joy of Jesus Christ. No sorrow or grief, no danger, no suffering can make it less. Jesus also speaks of his destination and ultimate triumph over the powers of evil in the world. In the eyes of the world the cross stood for shame, humiliation, and defeat. Jesus went to the cross knowing that it would lead to victory over the powers of sin and of Satan. Jesus also knew that he would return to his Father in glory. The cross brought glory to Jesus and to the Father and it is our way to glory as well. In the Cross of Christ we find true peace and reconciliation with God. Do you live in the peace of Jesus Christ?

Prayer: "Lord Jesus, may your peace be always with me. May no circumstance, trouble, or vexation rob me of the peace which passes all understanding. You, alone, O Lord, are my Peace. May I always reside in that peace by believing your word and by doing your will.”

Psalm 145:10-21

10 All Your works will give thanks to You, O Lord. And all those who belong to You will honor You.
 11 They will speak of the shining-greatness of Your holy nation, and talk of Your power.
 12 They will make Your powerful acts and the great power of Your holy nation known to the sons of men.
 13 Your holy nation is a nation that lasts forever. And Your rule lasts for all time.

 14 The Lord holds up all who fall. He raises up all who are brought down.
 15 The eyes of all look to You. And You give them their food at the right time.
 16 You open Your hand and fill the desire of every living thing.

 17 The Lord is right and good in all His ways, and kind in all His works.
 18 The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth.
 19 He will fill the desire of those who fear Him. He will also hear their cry and will save them.
 20 The Lord takes care of all who love Him. But He will destroy all the sinful.
 21 My mouth will speak the praise of the Lord. And all flesh will honor His holy name forever and ever.