God, my Promise
Things were bad— oppressively high taxes, personal freedoms severely curtailed, soldiers swarming the streets, daily political intrigue, food insecurity, and rampant disease. Worse yet, their best Friend was leaving.
No, I’m not describing today’s sociopolitical unrest. This was Jerusalem just before Jesus would take His departure through crucifixion, burial, resurrection, and ascension.
If ever His followers needed assurance it was then. The same is true for us today. Our world is fraught with economic booby-traps, meaningless violence, earthquakes that rock our confidence, and tornadoes that rip away lives leaving devastation.
We are not alone however, the same promise Jesus gave to His followers is potent for us 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. . . . I have told you before it comes, that when it does come to pass, you may believe” John 14:27, 29.
It wasn’t easy for the disciples to believe nor for us today. But Jesus says, “Arise, let us go from here.” (v.31) Away from despair to trust, from anxiety to confidence, from doubt to faith.
Dear Lord, even in the presence of world-wide turmoil, give me Your peace. Amen
A Wilderness Guidebook . . . 