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The One True Source of Peace

     “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)

Lord Jesus, the ache within our hearts for peace is intense and unrelenting, demanding and incredibly deceiving. Though I already rest in you alone, for my forgiveness and righteousness, I still get tricked into thinking a more palpable peace can be found somewhere else, or with someone else.

Some days I’m like Esau. My peace-lust takes 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 satisfaction I already have in you, and the consummate satisfaction of your return.

Other 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 . . . and the list goes on.

But right now I hear you utter the only significant “if.” “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 quintessential peace, continue to guard, fill, and free my heart with your peace. Protect me against my own foolishness. So very Amen I pray, in your tender and triumphant name.

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