4/12/11 John 14:25-31 The String Around Our Finger

25 “All this I have spoken while still with you. 26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 27 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.
28 “You heard me say, ‘I am going away and I am coming back to you.’ If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. 29 I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe. 30 I will not say much more to you, for the prince of this world is coming. He has no hold over me, 31 but he comes so that the world may learn that I love the Father and do exactly what my Father has commanded me.
“Come now; let us leave.

Thoughts: The good news we have a reminder.  It is not a string around our finger, but the Holy Spirit.  The Spirit stirs up and convicts the worldly.  But the same Spirit comforts and gives peace and reminders to the godly.  The world's peace is an absence of things.  The world's peace is an absence of noise, an absence of busy-ness, and absence of war.  Death could be a definition or even a way to achieve the peace of the world- for death is quiet, still, and has not struggle.  But God's peace (shalom) is a wholeness.  It is oneness with God.  It is meaning and hope in the midst of meaninglessness and despair.  Jesus gives a peace we would not otherwise have- and it comes by His Holy Spirit. 

Prayer: May your peace fill my life, O Lord.  Fill me with peace that I may witness to you- the Prince of Peace.