Redeeming COVID-19: Our Peace in Trouble
June 2020
When we read the news, we find conflicting reports, uncertainty, fear, and in some cases even panic. Confusion is rampant during this time, and if we aren’t careful, that confusion can quickly become chaos in our hearts.
When we seek peace, satisfaction, or joy solely in the world around us, we will come away troubled, dissatisfied, and discouraged.
Another Way
What a refreshing message Jesus shares with us: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (John 14:27)
Global staff member Roy Angle drew our attention to this homily (sermon) from a 2nd century bishop named Mileto of Sardis. The last portion highlights what Jesus is and has done for us and how He meets every uncertainty we face:
The Lord . . . suffered for the sake of the sufferer, and had been bound for the sake of the imprisoned, and had been judged for the sake of the condemned, and buried for the sake of the one who was buried. Therefore, come, all families of men, you who have been befouled by sins, and receive forgiveness for your sins. I am your forgiveness, I am the passover of your salvation, I am the Lamb which was sacrificed for you, I am your ransom, I am your light, I am your saviour, I am your resurrection, I am your King, I am leading you up to the heights of heaven. I will show you the eternal Father. I will raise you up by my right hand.The entirety of this sermon can be found here: Our Peace in Trouble Jesus is more than enough to satisfy our most pressing anxieties, our deepest longings, and our bitterest disappointments. He is our Rescuer, Friend, and Comforter. He left us with profound words of encouragement, words that convey the trouble we will face in this world, but also the hope we have in Him: “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)
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