John 16:28-33
Shalom mean peace in Hebrew. It was a common greeting in the time of Jesus, and, as Christians, we continue to greet each other with the peace of Jesus. In fact Jesus instructed us to bless each other with peace.
“When you enter a house, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’
Luke 10:5 NIV
Peace of mind is important to have since it is hard to live without peace of mind. It is even harder to live as a living sacrifice without peace. Yet, Jesus, who would be a living sacrifice, demonstrated peace and continue to offer peace to others. Before Jesus was to be executed, he was telling his disciples to have peace. Jesus had peace of mind even in His difficult circumstances. He had so much peace that He could offer peace to others. Had did Jesus have this peace of mind? Jesus was sure of His father's place in Heaven
“…I came from the Father and entered the world; now I am leaving the world and going back to the Father.”
John 16:28 NIV
Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God;
John 13:3 NIV
As Christians, we can have faith in Jesus and know that our place in heaven is secure. Just as Jesus knew that the father was with him, we, too, know that God is dwelling in us. And if God is with us, we can have success. Maybe the success is not what we would like it to be. But the success from God with us that we can glorify God in any circumstance. The kingdom of God is not just some place in the great beyond, but it is the place where God dwells whereas hell is where God is not. Even one of Jesus's names, Immanuel, reminds us that God is with us.
“A time is coming and in fact has come when you will be scattered, each to your own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me.
John 16:32 NIV
The one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what pleases him.”
John 8:29 NIV
The warden paid no attention to anything under Joseph’s care, because the Lord was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did.
Genesis 39:23 NIV
“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).
Matthew 1:23 NIV
Jesus believed that his victory was assured, so he could have peace. He knew God was with him and the victory was guaranteed. God is with us today. Everything is possible when we are working for God’s kingdom although the victory may not happen the way we want it. When God is with us, we can have peace because Jesus has conquered the principalities of this world. We boldly and sincerely greet one another with “The peace of the Lord be with you.”
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33 NIV
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