Jesus is the Peace that cannot be taken away.

“Now there were some present at that time who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. Jesus answered, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish. Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them—do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.”” (Luke 13:1-5)

What is the news of the hour? Is it that children including infants are being incarcerated? Is it that children are being shot? Is it that children are being abused by the very ones who were to care for them no matter what? Is it that children are being separated from their parents like in a time of war?

All those reports and many more are making it to our ears daily. Are those children worse sinners than the rest of us? Are their parents or guardians worst sinners than the rest of us?

Unless we repent, we too will all perish. Unless our hope is set by God in Christ and Christ alone, we too will be just as disappointed as those children who are making news at this hour. The gospel is the only message from God intended to help us do just that.

History speaks of mass deportation. History speaks of mass incarcerations. History speaks of assassinations of leaders by the very people they seek to serve. History speaks of concentration camps of citizens of the land. History speaks of the failures and weaknesses of mankind. His Story speaks of the work of God to help us rest in things that are unseen, the joy, the peace, the hope and endurance the Holy Spirit serves us in Christ daily.

“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)

The peace that cannot be taken away by an executive order, the peace that cannot be taken away by a mental illness, the peace that cannot be taken away by road rage, the peace that cannot be taken away by the hopelessness of this world, the peace that cannot be taken away by fear of those who seem different from us in one measure of another, such peace is Christ Jesus himself.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27)