John 16:33
"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.”
The once famous Wendy's commercial featuring a customer named Clara exclaiming, "Where's the beef?" made television commercial history. As it was quite apparent that most fast food service quality was diminishing. This was quite apparent in this particular commercial, when the order of a burger was set before the ladies, there was a half dollar sized burger sitting on a big bun. Of course, this prompted the oft-quoted question, "Where's the beef?"
We might be able to say the same thing about many things today - especially about peace. This is the advent season. We began with hope, which is not the hope that is in wishful thinking, but an everlasting hope from God's promises of salvation through His Son, and our Lord, Jesus.
Following hope's message is the message of peace. Peace on earth in the coming of the Christ, but also a peace that indwells within the heart of every believer and confessor of Christ's Lordship. It is an eternal peace. One that has been promised to you and I who believe.
Jesus told His disciples that no matter what happens in this life, whether it'd be trials and tribulations, deep sorrows, or mountain top experiences and great joy, we are to take heart with peace He has given us by the fact He has overcome the world.
This peace is not the same peace we see to end a war or a conflict here in this world. That type of peace is not everlasting. Look at what's going on in Israel today. War rages on, even in the midst of a 'cease fire' pause that lasted only a few days.
No my friends, true peace on earth won't happen until Christ returns and does away with sin, wars and conflicts once and for all. The peace He has given is another assurance of hope that we can live with now. It enables us, together with hope, to endure and rest in the knowledge that Christ has already declared victory by His humble birth, His life, death and resurrection.
If you still doubt peace can exist, let me remind you what the Apostle Paul says how to deal with it.
Philippians 4:6-7 "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
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