“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you….”

In 2 Corinthians 9:15, Paul tells us of God’s unspeakable gift given to us in the human form of His son Jesus Christ. So great a gift, so complete, so glorious, so overwhelming, it is a gift unspeakable in human terms. An unmatched gift of love, mercy, salvation, hope, and redemption that keeps on giving.

From our verse today, may I suggest that Jesus Christ, as the unspeakable gift, is the One and only One who can give us unspeakable peace. As verse 27 of John 14 declares, it is not a peace the world can provide, but only a peace Jesus Christ can provide. A peace not between nations, people, or cultures, but rather a peace between a person and their Creator. A peace that ends the separation and alienation of a person with God. A peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7). A peace with God only Jesus Christ can give someone, which leads to a life of peace in God in all of one’s days. Peace in the blessings of life as well as peace in the hardships of life. In the world, there will always be trials and tribulations, but in Christ we have peace because Jesus overcame the world (John 16:33). It is the same peace Peter experienced when he was thrown in jail by King Herod. Chained between two soldiers, Peter slept even though it was the night before he was to be executed (Acts 12:6).

The prophet Jeremiah shared God’s heart which said, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope,” (Jeremiah 29:11 NKJV). The hope of ultimate peace in heaven. The prophet Isaiah also tells us that God “him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on [God], because he trusts in [God].” (Isaiah 26:3).

As the shepherds looked down on baby Jesus lying in a manger in a stable, their wonder and joy was due to the gift of the Messiah. The One Who has conquered the world in defeating sin and death. In Jesus, they saw a warrior for the kingdom of God. A King who would subdue nations, and every enemy of God in complete and final victory. Knowing this victory, we have unspeakable peace in Jesus Christ. All our troubles and fears from the world can be cast out of our hearts, leaving His peace to reign.

The heart is where peace begins, beloved. Jesus says, “Let not your heart be troubled, you believe in God, believe also in Me,” (John 14:1 NKJV). Believe today in Jesus Christ! Receive Him as your Lord and Savior, and let unspeakable peace fill your heart and life.

By Pastor David Massie, Bible League International staff, California U.S.