Peace
OPENING PRAYER:
Spirit, guide me to what I need to learn today.
“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
“The fruit of that righteousness will be peace; it’s effect will be quietness and confidence forever.” Isaiah 32:17
“Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” Matthew 8:26-26
He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” The he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. “
REFLECT:
As we light the fourth Advent candle, we remember the message that the angels brought as they pronounced Christ’s birth: Peace on earth, good will toward men.
Jesus came to restore God’s righteousness in this world. Isaiah tells us that the work of righteousness is peace, with the effect of righteousness being quietness and assurance forever. The peace that Jesus brought us is eternal. It is not of this world. It is directly tied to our knowledge and relationship with him.
APPLY:
Even amid a terrible storm in the middle of the sea, Jesus was quiet and sure. While his disciples panicked and stressed, Jesus rested calmly. When they awoke him, he calmed the storm and reminded his followers just who he was.
We live in the perfect time to experience that kind of peace and take the opportunity to remember just who Jesus is. In the middle of the stormy seas of current days, let’s take time to remember his character and sacrifice and cherish the gift of peace that he brought to earth with him.
CLOSING PRAYER:
Spirit, help us take time to remember Jesus’s true character and your role in our lives. Give us peace.
CONTINUED READING:
I Peter 5:6-7, Psalm 56
WORSHIP: