November
General Superintendent Max Edwards
19, 2024
In the moments before the Lord’s disciples entered the whirlwind of Jesus’ arrest, conviction, and execution, He spoke this: “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33).
He knew there would be turmoil and trouble spinning all around, but Jesus was not in turmoil. He stood calmly, trusting quietly in His Father’s love and approval. A few chapters earlier (John 12:28), our Lord and the gathered crowd heard a booming voice from heaven, as the Father actually spoke His affirmation out loud, declaring that He was glorified in His Son’s life, and would be further glorified in what was to come.
Jesus was at peace. Facing more brutality, hostility, and injustice than we can imagine, He was content, and peace-filled.
Do you think maybe we could be also? Even when everything seems to be spinning out of control, and difficult days loom? I think that not only CAN we be at peace, but we are charged with the mission of calmly portraying Christ-like peace even when peace doesn’t make sense.
And we can’t claim that Jesus’ life up to this point was clear skies and calm waters. His treasurer was embezzling from the ministry, His cousin had been beheaded and the Pharisees were openly plotting His own death. His disciples were constantly arguing about prominence and human greatness. His friend Lazarus had died and his two sisters were griefstruck, at the time feeling as though Jesus didn’t care.
Jesus had begun to talk openly about His death, but none of the Disciples understood … “When Jesus had said these things, he departed and hid himself from them. Though he had done so many signs before them, they still did not believe in him.” (John 12:36-37). Peter declared bold fidelity, but Jesus called him out, saying that he would deny even knowing Jesus. And at that moment, Jesus said to Peter, and to all of them - - and to us as well - - “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me.” (14:1).
No matter what we may face, Jesus is telling us to remain calm, and to trust God. Political winds blow this way and that, and people may disappoint us and sometimes distress us, but our anchor isn’t in the wind, it’s in the Savior who is Lord of the wind.