Bible Study: Acts 14, 19 to 28 and John
14, 27 to 37.
In our Gospel passage this morning, we hear Jesus talking to us about
Peace and he specifically mentions that the peace which he wants us to have is
different from the peace that the world can afford. The peace which the world
gives is very expensive, you need to have very strong iron gates, tall and walls
and even trained soldiers guarding your house but the Peace which Jesus wants
us to have is free.
It is peace that protects you from deep inside your heart from
despair, from fear and anxiety. It is a peace that prevents you from getting
worried when things are not working out as you expect them to be. It is peace
that keeps you going no matter the trials and difficulties you experience. Hence
the moment Jesus says he wants to give us this peace, he immediately went on to
say: “Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”
The story of Paul preaching to several towns as contained in our
first reading this morning is a classic example of a person who succeeded because
he had this inner peace. Consider the fact that he was stoned by his fellow
Jews and dragged out of the city and the people assumed he was dead. Imagine
the pain he must have felt, the discomfort and bruises even to the point when
he suddenly became unconscious.
The following day, he got up and without a single thought for
his health, he continued the very mission that led to his stoning. He didn’t even
complain to God like Jonas who was asked to preach to the Nenivites and could
not afford a scorching heat one hot afternoon. Paul regained consciousness and he
went back to the same town from which was dragged out “strengthening the souls
of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying that THROUGH
MANY TRIBULATIONS we must enter the kingdom of God.”
How can we possibly accept the many tribulations that are just
part of the road to heaven? The only solution is for us to have this inner
peace.
By the way you may ask, why is the road to heaven so difficult? Why
did Jesus say if you must follow him, you must carry your cross? Why did he
say, “narrow is the path that leads to life and only few find it?” Matthew 7,
13 to 14. Yes, the road is hard because the world as we see it does not belong
to us. Hence Jesus makes mention of the “ruler of this world” as one who was coming
to bring about disturbance. “I have told you before it takes place, so that
when it does take place, you may believe. I will no longer talk much with you
for the ruler of this world is coming.” This ruler of the world that Jesus
Christ is referring to is the devil who in the course of his temptations took
him to a great height showing him all the kingdoms of the world in their riches
asking that Jesus would simply bow that all these may be given to him.
Jesus refused to bow, he refused the smooth and easy ride; he
choose the difficult road instead. Peace of mind is such a vital ingredient for
us to move successfully on this road to heaven. When we have this peace,
nothing is too difficult anymore. The persecutions we have to face from satan
and forces of darkness become light and we are just able to handle our trials
like Paul did. We are ready for anything and determined to continue to serve
God forever.
Let us pray: Lord Jesus, fill our heart with your peace that we may
never be discouraged by trials. Amen.
God bless you. Good morning. Be
Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. Happy new week.
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