"Know Jesus - Know Peace"

Jesus had a message of comfort for His disciples who were very troubled because He was about to leave them to go back to His Father in heaven.

His words also bring much comfort in a time when so many are suffering because of the terrible terrorist attacks this week in the United States.

Listen to Jesus: "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world" (John 16:33 NKJV).

Make no mistake about it:  “In the world you will have tribulation.”  Why?  
There is tribulation in the world today because we live in a world in which sin has entered.  With the entrance of sin into the world with Adam and Eve, there also came consequences of suffering and death (see Genesis 3).  There is tribulation in the world today because the archenemy, Satan, is strong and active, and many have chosen to submit to his rule.  We are warned in Scripture:  "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour" 
(1 Peter 5:8).

Even though there is tribulation in the world, note the blessed promise of Jesus:       “In Me you may have peace.”  Jesus’ promise was not that His followers would be free from trials, but that in Him they could have peace even in the midst of trials.  The peace found in Christ does not mean the absence of trials on the outside, but it does mean a quiet confidence within, regardless of circumstances, people or things.  This peace is found in a right relationship with God through His Son, Jesus.  When we submit to Christ in faith (Hebrews 11:6), repentance (2 Peter 3:9), confession (Romans 10:9-10) and baptism (Acts 22:16), we begin a new relationship with Christ.  
As this relationship is nurtured through prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:17), Bible study      (1 Thessalonians 2:13) and faithful living (1 John 1:7), we learn to walk by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7), knowing that our Heavenly Father cares for us and will cause all things– even the most tragic things –to work out for our good (Romans 8:28).

Even though there is tribulation in the world, Jesus says, “Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”  Although the enemies of Christ – even Satan himself – thought that they had defeated Jesus when they crucified Him, it was through the death, burial and resurrection of Christ that the victory was won by Christ.  Through these things, which form the basis of the Gospel (“good news”) message (1 Corinthians 15:1-4), Jesus provided the way of salvation and ultimate victory over Satan.  As a defeated enemy, Satan is trying to destroy as many as he can.  However, those who submit to Christ will overcome with Him.  Jesus’ followers are promised a place where there will be no more tribulation: "And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away" (Revelation 21:4).

Perhaps you have seen the following message on a church sign: 

“No Jesus; No Peace.  Know Jesus; Know Peace.”

Do you know Him?

Know Jesus (through faith and obedience) and you will know His peace, even in a world of trouble.

May God bless you and all of those who are hurting today.

David A. Sargent, Minister 

Church of Christ at Creekwood 
1901 Schillinger Rd. S.
Mobile, Alabama  36695

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