The Peace Christ Gives...

"These things I spoken unto you, that in Me ye may have peace. In the world ye have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. John 16: 33

      Was there ever a stranger peace conference than that one of the upper room in Jerusalem nineteen centuries ago? How far removed and how different this assembly from those famous peace conferences where the victors in battle have dictated terms to the conquered foe. Such councils have usually met in palatial rooms flanked by the spectacle of earthly power and glory. Pomp and pageantry have always been in evidence when nations have assumed the role of peacemaking. How difficult it is for peace to emerge from an atmosphere of war. Fuss and feathers smother; sword and saber intimidate; the kingdom of peace cometh not by violence.

      Gathered in the upper room in Jerusalem was a group of men, plain, simple men, and with them their Teacher, Companion and Friend met together for the last time ere the great storm broke. The shadows were long and deep in that room, and they fell darkly across the little company who for nearly three years had been partakers of a great privilege. These men were anxious now and nervous. They were filled with apprehension of impending peril. The signs and tokens were ominous; a tragedy seemed confronting them, but just when and how and where, they knew not. Yet there was one in that room upon whom no shadow fell. He was calm, clear-eyed, composed and serene. He sat there talking with His friends, simply, tenderly, intimately. Surely no man ever spoke as Jesus spoke that night in the upper room. Such a conversation there never was before or since, and toward its close Jesus said: "These things have I spoken unto you that in Me you might have peace."

      What things? Why the great utterances that had preceded this statement. They are many of them and they distinguish His conversation that last night as stars of the first magnitude distinguish the Heavens. Listen to the music of these words:

Let not your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. In my Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. Have I been so long time with you, and dost thou not know me, Philip ? He that hath seen Me hath seen the Father. Ye are my friends, if you do the things which I command you. If ye abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you will, and it shall be done unto you.This is my commandment, that you love one another, even as I have loved you. Peace I leave with you; My peace I give unto you; not as the world giveth, give I unto you.

 

Sung by The Truro Cathedral Choir by Philip Stopford