Devotional: Words of Peace

John 14:21-27 “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful” (John 14:27, NASB). In this text Jesus is preparing His disciples for His physical absence. He is going to die on the cross. He will be raised on the third day and will appear to His disciples. He will ascend to heaven to be with the Father. The thought of His leaving them is very frightening to His disciples. Who will lead them, and provide for their needs? Who will answer their questions? Who will they turn to? Jesus tells the disciples that He is always with them. He will never leave them nor forsake them. He has given them His words. Those who have His words in their hearts have Jesus with them. Jesus is not telling them to memorize a lot of bible verses. He is telling them that if they accept His words in their hearts they will obey His commands even if they cannot remember the exact words of bible verses. They will remember His words and live by them. His words will not depart from them because He sends the Holy Spirit to be with them to be His abiding presence in them. Those who have the words of Jesus in their hearts have peace. Jesus gives us peace by His words that express the love of God for His people. His word teaches us, guides us, and empowers us to live as He commands us to do. Regardless of the situation we do not fear because we have the Prince of Peace. Prayer: God, our Father, We believe that Jesus is the Christ, our Savior. Thank you for the peace that Jesus gives to us. Help us to make your peace known to the world that knows no peace. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.