I Do Not Give To You As The World Gives Pt1 - Wednesday 21 June 2006

When Jesus declared his Peace upon the disciples, he went on to tell them, “I do not give to you as the world gives.” And this phrase got under my skin a little. In fact the Holy Spirit has reminded me of it a lot recently and has breathed peace into some difficult situations.

 

But how is Jesus’ peace distinct from that which we can humanly derive from the world around us? I want to consider one angle on this today, and then another tomorrow.

 

You don’t have to be the most perceptive of observers to notice that a key factor of dis – ease in life is that of difficult, broken or dysfunctional relationships. 

 

How often have we encountered someone flustered, hurt or upset because of the selfish, inconsiderate actions of others. Indeed how often have we seen others whose own needs, demands and selfishness make them unhappy because people never measure up to what they expect. The reality is, of course, we probably find ourselves playing both roles from time to time.

 

Yet God made us to be relational. And relationships should – and of course can and do - enrich life greatly. But they are never always straightforward, there is often disappointment and hurt. The best of relationships will need us to offer forgiveness and at times to be forgiven.

 

Yet the peace Jesus brings is that of a perfect relationship. He and the Father are one and he invites us to a precious union with him. We know that he will never leave us or forsake us, we know that he is faithful to his promises, we know he is good and just.

 

After telling the disciples he would be leaving them Jesus said this:

 

John 14:16-18 “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counsellor to be with you forever--  the Spirit of truth… you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.”