“Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” ”Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!” “I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.” 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.” Luke 19:38-42 (NIV)
Dear Lord Jesus, the ache within our hearts for peace is intense and unrelenting. Though I already rest in you-plus-nothing for my forgiveness and righteousness, I can still get tricked into thinking a better peace can be found somewhere else.
Some days I’m like Esau. My peace-lust take over, and in the moment I’ll gladly settle for a bowl of hot porridge over the hope of a future banquet (Gen 25:29-34; Rev. 19). The provision of a snack in hand blinds my eye, deafens my ear, and dulls my taste buds to the fullness I already have in you, Jesus, and the greater fullness of your return.
Some days I get sucked in the world of “if only.” If only I were 20 years younger, lived somewhere else, had a different body, had more money, had fewer hassles, had never been deeply wounded, could control the decisions of others, had a different family of origin . . .
But right now I hear you utter the only significant “if only.” “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace.” Indeed, Jesus, you alone, this day and every day, are the Prince of Peace. Only in union and fellowship with you do I find the true and sufficient peace for which I long.
I join the chorus of those who cry out, “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” for you, Jesus, are the king of glory and grace. Until the Day of consummate peace, continue to guard, fill, and free my heart with your peace. So very Amen I pray, in your tender and triumphant name.
