Jan 05 | Peace That Surpasses Understanding | Barry Rodriguez

We are going to look at some of the words Jesus shared with his disciples when they needed relief as well. When they were facing an anxious and painful and chaotic time. Because the words Jesus shared with them were also meant for us. Even though our world may look very different from theirs, our fears and insecurities do not. John 14:22-27 Judas (not Judas Iscariot, but the other disciple with that name) said to him, "Lord, why are you going to reveal yourself only to us and not to the world at large?" Jesus replied, "All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them. Anyone who doesn't love me will not obey me. And remember, my words are not my own. What I am telling you is from the Father who sent me. I am telling you these things now while I am still with you. But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative, that is, the Holy Spirit, he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you. I am leaving you with a gift, peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or afraid. That word, "troubled," (tarasso) could just as easily be translated "agitated." It's the same word for water that' being stirred up somehow. In English, "trouble" comes from the root as "turbulent." Think white water rapids or a waterfall. By the way, isn't that a perfect image of what anxiety feels like? That unsettling feeling of agitation. A lack of control? Like you're just being swept along. And yet Jesus tells them not to be troubled or afraid. Don't be agitated. Don't be anxious. Why? Go back to the beginning of verse 27. Because even though Jesus is going away, he says he's leaving his disciples with "a gift - peace of mind and heart." The Holy Spirit. Jesus is essentially saying, "yes, I'm going away, but the Advocate - the Holy Spirit - will continue my work with you. I taught you some things. Through the Spirit I will teach you all things." Put simply, the Holy Spirit is the very presence of God in our lives. Yahweh, the creator of the universe dwelling in our hearts. Jesus Christ taking up residence within us. The concept of the Trinity - three persons (The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit) making up one divine being (God) - is not easy to wrap our minds around. But essentially, it is the Spirit who breathes life into us, who shapes us to become like Jesus in the way we live. It is the Spirit who speaks to us, teaches us truth, and helps us understand God's heart for healing the world (John often refers to him as the Spirit of Truth). That is the gift Jesus is leaving with his disciples. That is the reason they do not need to be troubled, anxious, and afraid when he goes away. Because through the Holy Spirit, Jesus would be present with them forever. More present than he ever was before. RELIEF Which is why we, too, as we head into 2020, need to look back to these teachings of Jesus to find relief. Relief from our loneliness and isolation. Relief from our insecurity about eternity. Relief from feelings of insignificance. But the biblical idea of peace - Shalom - is far more all encompassing. It means a lack of war, yes, but it also means overall wellbeing, completeness, health, life, joy, calm, and serenity. Shalom is God dwelling with his people. Biblical peace is the world made right. Jesus brought shalom and it's a peace the world could never hope to replicate. Philippians 4:6-7 Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.