I get conflicting thoughts from reading Jesus. On the one hand, he told his followers peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid (John 14:27).
But on another day he sent out the original twelve with this gristle to chew on: Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword (Matthew 10:34).
Which is it—peace or sword?
Both.
As a disciple of Jesus, I draw on his peace as I make my way through this world. My heart rests, indeed I enjoy a certain fearlessness. The quote above from John refers specifically to the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives. Through the power of the Holy Spirit peace and confidence may infuse my life.
I need such peace because the way of Jesus draws the opposition of the world. Remember, we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places (Ephesians 6:12).
Jesus brings a sword to the evil in the world. Indeed, you and I are his swords whenever we turn the other cheek, or hunger and thirst for righteousness, or serve a peacemakers. By living this way we bring light to the spiritual blindness inflicted by the cosmic powers over this present darkness.
Thank God for the gift of the Holy Spirit. Rest in the peace made available for you, and remember it rests most powerfully when we remain awake to the nature of our true opposition.
Matthew 10 in reading the Bible cover to cover in 2022
Photo by Anis Rahman
Amen and amen. Thank you for writing this, Dave.
The battle rages and the fire is white hot.
And the King is the King and we have His peace in the midst of the furnace.