I have said this to you, so that in me you may have peace. In the world you face persecution. But take courage; I have conquered the world! – John 16:33
Advent Candle Lighting - Light the first 2 candles of advent, hope and peace.
Humanity has a profound ability to build, destroy, rebuild and repeat the process all over again. Some might say that this is what makes the world continue to spin. We desire to take what we have learned from a previous generation and build something we think is better. However, our ideas of better aren’t always so. Sometimes our ideas of improvement makes things harder on others, or don’t work out as planned. For the Christian, we must realize that what we build should bring honor and glory to God first. No matter what is build, it is God who consecrates.
God knows that we will struggle, and have trouble, and that we will most likely bring it upon ourselves. However, if we are his people, humble ourselves and pray, seek His face and turn back to God, we will find forgiveness and peace.
As Jesus spends some of his final hours with his disciples, according to John 16, he tells them of the promise of the Advocate. Jesus knows that the disciples will have trouble in the ministry they will build in his name, but God is with them, and through the Holy Spirit, God will remain with them. It is for this reason, that even in trouble, they can have peace.
In our world, today, we see all kinds of trouble. Some it we have brought on ourselves, or society has shifted and caused pain. However, we who believe, know God is still in control. We believe that the Holy Spirit of God is alive in us as it was in the disciples generations ago. We believe in the hope and peace Christ brings in our lives, and have good news to share. I pray we build on that Good News, we build and rebuild for the glory of God, living with all in the peace of Christ.
Grace & Peace,
Sam