What do you want most in this life? Seriously: make a list and then prioritize it. What’s on top? Is “peace” on your list? If you think about it, peace should be number one. Not world peace, but personal peace, the kind of peace that comes when we are content and whole, inside and out. Shalom, the Hebrew word for it, conveys thorough harmony, security and tranquility. If you couldn’t attain anything else on your list, but truly had peace, it would be better than having them all without peace.
Right in the middle of Jesus’ biggest moment of public triumph, riding into Jerusalem to the deafening cheers of the crowds, He paused on the hill, overlooking the city.
“As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it and said, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes.” (Luke 19:41-42)
Jesus wept for those who, for a thousand personal reasons, could not see Him for Who He was, go to Him and find peace. A few days later, He looked into the eyes of His disciples, gathered at supper and said:
“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)
Those guys had seen “what would bring” them peace. They knew the secret. But what is the secret? How can we find peace? Jesus told them:
““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)
In Jesus you may have peace. As we surrender and come to Jesus we come to life in Jesus. He said,
“Because I live, you also will live. On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you.“ (John 14:19b-20)
And in Him is peace. Jesus knew that some would get it. He wept for the others.
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