John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Moses stood before Pharaoh and threw down his rod. The scripture tell us that it miraculously became a serpent. Not to be outdone, Pharaoh’s magicians used a trick of the hand to do the same; only Moses’ serpent devoured theirs. Moses turned water into blood, which provoked the magicians to duplicate the same. Time and again the forces of darkness attempted to mirror the things of God. Darkness always attempts to counter the Light. Paul and Silas experienced this when they encountered a girl with the spirit of divination. The evil spirit desired to boast of itself in the same light as the Apostle’s through revelation.
To be clear the world has things to offer. Though it is filled with darkness, there are pleasures to be had. Hebrews tell us that Moses chose to suffer than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season. On the surface the things of the world can even come close to the things of the church: family, fellowship, friendships, etc. When we read the words of Jesus in John 14:27, it is clear that Jesus knew what the world had to offer. He didn’t say that the world offers nothing. Jesus said, “I give not as the world gives” meaning that substance can be obtained. The world gives security in money and finances. The world can offer a form of peace and tranquility. The replicas are wide and varied. Only Jesus said that His peace was not like the world’s version. His peace calms storms and makes raging waters tranquil. His peace lifts us over confusion. It is the peace that surpasses all understanding. His security is not wrapped up in temporal things that rust or fade. This is Lord’s Day and He has come to offer you peace and there is no parallel.
Pastor Jeffrey Harpole
