“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, we live with a deep ache for peace—a longing for everything to be the way you designed them to be. Though we’ve found eternal peace in the gospel, we are still tricked into thinking a more real peace can be found somewhere else.
Some days we’re like Esau. Our peace-pangs take over, and in the moment, we’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 our eyes, deafens our ears, and dulls our taste buds to the satisfaction we already have in you now, and will have in fullness on the Day of your return.
Other days we get sucked into the world of “if only.” If only we were 20 years younger, 3 inches taller, or lived somewhere else; if only we had a different story, a newer car, or fewer hassles; if only we could win the lottery, not get wrinkles, or had never been hurt. And the list goes on.
But right now, we 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, every day, and that Day, are the Prince of Peace. Only in union and fellowship with you, do we find the true and sufficient peace for which we long.
We 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 our hearts with your peace. All we really need is you plus what you choose to give us. So very Amen we pray, in your tender and triumphant name.
