What piece of “interior decorating” does the Savior bring with Him when He and the Father make a believer’s heart their home? Here Jesus tells us they adorn the heart with peace — not just any peace, but “My peace.”
The basis for that peace is the forgiveness of sins won for us on the cross, as St. Paul writes to believers in Rome: “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God” (5:1).
Indeed, Christ Himself is our peace, for He has broken down the wall of division between sinners and the holy God (Ephesians 2:14). That good news of reconciliation with God instills a peace “which surpasses all understanding” and which “will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7).
Accept no substitutes then when the devil, the god of this world, offers his shallow versions of peace and happiness (via drugs, alcohol etc.). Rather, keep on nourishing your soul with the Word of God and the precious Sacrament of the Altar which offers — in, with, and under the bread and wine — the Lord’s true body and blood for the assurance of the remission of all sins.
Finally, the Lord foretells again His Ascension to the Father’s right hand (which we recently observed). He tells the disciples they should be happy He’s going, because He will have carried out the Father’s will resulting in salvation for the world.
That is good news — truly the best news on the planet — for all who love Jesus and are looking forward to living forever with Him in heaven’s fair homes.
Holy Spirit, pow’r divine, Cleanse this guilty heart of mine;
In Thy mercy pity me, From sin’s bondage set me free.
Holy Spirit, joy divine Cheer this saddened heart of mine;
Yield a sacred, settled peace, Let it grow and still increase.
(Lutheran Service Book, 496:3-4) |
