Peace of Christ to you today. As I have been preparing for this weekend - Thomas Harabedian's memorial service on Saturday at 3:00 pm & Worship on Sunday - I've been thinking a lot about Christ's peace. I've been praying it for the Harabedian family as they grieve the tragic loss of their youngest, Thomas; and I've been asking God to help us, our church, know it more in these days that can seem so chaotic; and I've been asking God for it in my own heart.
Would you be joining me in praying for Christ's peace to reign in our church? Would you be joining me, also, in praying against fear, despair, isolation, and restlessness? The Apostle Paul says in Colossians 3:15, where I'll be preaching from on Sunday, "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts." Even as we experience the many emotions of life's challenges, tragedies, and joys, our hearts are to be ruled - our actions and attitudes decided - by Christ's peace. I confess, that has been a struggle for me this week. What about you?
It certainly isn't something that we drum up in our hearts; it's not a peace that we create on our own. It is Christ's peace; it is based in who He is and what He has done. Because of that, it passes all human understanding and is not based in human emotion or circumstances. The fact that Jesus is alive and exalted to the highest place acting as our great high priest gives us assurance that his promise of peace is sure. He told the disciples, "Peace I leave with you. My peace I give you" (John 14:27). No matter what we experience, He is stronger; His peace is sure; His grace is enough. Our hope is in Him.
Church, may you receive the peace of Christ today.
Blessings
Jeremy Vaccaro
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