Brings You Peace

As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it and said, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes. – Luke 19:41-42

Our lives are riddled with evidence we live in a broken world – loss, hurt, death, betrayal, heartbreak and relationship breakdowns. It can feel at times like nobody understands the way we feel or the struggles we endure. But in the midst of our pain and suffering we need to remember that Jesus also felt everyone of those same emotions. When we cry what seems like rivers of tears, we need to remember that Jesus also wept.

Today’s verse is part of the story of the Triumphal Entry, when Jesus was welcomed into Jerusalem with loud shouts and praises. “Hosanna, the King is coming!” You would think that in that moment He would be excited to see all the people, but the bible tells us that He wept.

The problem was that they didn’t understand. They wanted relief and peace from their current situation and He was bringing them freedom for their eternal situation. Many times in my life I’ve prayed for help to get out of a situation that was a result of my own bad choices. I remember praying, “Here I am again Lord, please help me.” In my own lack of understanding I would think that an answer to my prayer had solved everything and then I would be on my way again, doing my own thing, just like those who welcomed Jesus, praising Him one day and walking away from Him the next.

Other times when life dealt heavy blows I would pray for the healing of a loved one and relief from the crushing pain of loss. It was in those moments of my deepest pain that I finally understood where true peace comes from. It isn’t in prayers being answered the way I want them to be nor in a miraculous healing, although they are both wonderful things to behold, it is knowing Jesus – the Prince of Peace.

Jesus told us that in this world we would have trouble but to take heart because He has overcome the world. He has overcome everything that this broken world has to offer and given us peace. Peace in knowing that one day there will be no more sin, suffering or death. Peace in knowing that every tear will be wiped away by His loving hand. Peace in knowing that the King is coming and He will make everything new.

Knowing where our peace comes from gives us reason to shout for joy and praise God in the midst of anything and everything.

Father, thank you for bringing us peace that surpasses understanding. I pray that we will know and understand the meaning of the peace you give, no more sin, no more separation from You. You offer a life of fellowship and I pray that we will joyful accept. In Jesus’ name, amen.