FWD: Morning Manna (Jan. 17); BP: Jn. 14:22-31; RBTTY: Mt. 12:1-23; Gen.

 
Samuel D. High
sdhigh@aristotle.net

 

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-----Original Message-----
From: Apostle Tom <pressingon@hotmail.com>
Sent: Wed, 16 Jan 2008 18:22:16 -0600
To: <pressingon@hotmail.com>
Subject: Morning Manna (Jan. 17); BP: Jn. 14:22-31; RBTTY: Mt. 12:1-23; Gen.
 

January 17                                                                                                     “His One-of-a-Kind Peace”

 

“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give unto you—not as the world gives, give I unto you.  Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

                                                                                                                                                    John 14:27

     It’s an integral part of grace and one of the “fruits of the Spirit” (Gal. 5:22-23).

     Peace.

     The world defines it as the “absence” of problems; however, Jesus defines it as inward, “calm assurance” in the midst of them.  That’s why He said His peace was unlike the world’s—for theirs is usually found in pills, potions, bottles, syringes, insurance policies, financial portfolios, etc.

 

     Jesus knew His remaining time here on earth was limited.  A few hours after speaking today’s Manna He’d be arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane, falsely accused, tried and convicted and then nailed to the Cross.  Some 43 days after that He’d ascend into Heaven.  So, He was seeking to calm their troubled minds and anxious hearts prior to all of these things.

 

     Isn’t that just like our loving Savior and Lord?

     Instead of seeking comfort, He comforted.  Instead of getting down and depressed over their impending denials and forsaking Him, He offered words of encouragement and hope.

 

     “Let not your heart be troubled.”

     The Greek word “tarasso” is used here for “troubled” and also means “to stir or agitate (as rolling water), to toss-and-turn, be in upheaval, etc.”  It’s the picture of the Sea of Galilee that night when Jesus slept during the storm while the disciples fretted (Mk. 4:35-41).  Thus, our Lord was saying, “Don’t allow your mind and emotions to run wild when things are falling apart, causing you to think, talk and act like some abandoned orphan or practicing atheist.  Trust Me.  Rest in Me.”

 

     “Neither let it be afraid.”

     The Greek word “deiliao” is used here for “afraid” and also means “to be timid, fearful, anxious, etc.”  Would you be surprised it also means “faithless”?   But, that’s exactly what happens when fear replaces faith.  Like the disciples in the Sea that night, we look at the “wind and the waves” (our situation/circumstances) rather than the Master of them.  We run around like the proverbial chicken with its head cut off instead of “being still and knowing that He is God” (Ps. 46:10a).  It’s only as our “minds are stayed upon Him that He’s able to keep us in perfect peace” (Is. 26:3a)—and that can only come when we “trust in Him” (Is. 26:3b).

 

     Prior to our Manna our Lord reminded them (and us) that having faith in God is also having faith in Him (v.1).  It’s remembering that He’s preparing a place for us (vv.2-4)    . . .is truly “the Way, the Truth and the Life” (v.6). . .will assist us in all we do (vv.8-14)  . . .has send the Holy Spirit to guide and comfort (vv.16-17, 26). . .and will not leave us as some homeless child (v.18).  May His indescribable peace flood us in every way today as we remember Who He is and what He has promised (Phil. 4:4-9; Heb. 11:6).