True Peace

Just before the Passover Feast, Jesus knew that the time had come to leave this world to go to the Father. Having loved his dear companions, he continued to love them right to the end. It was suppertime. The Devil by now had Judas, son of Simon the Iscariot, firmly in his grip, all set for the betrayal. John 13:1-2 The Message.

After he said these things, Jesus became visibly upset, and then he told them why. "One of you is going to betray me." John 13:21 The Message.

"Children, I am with you for only a short time longer. You are going to look high and low for me. But just as I told the Jews, I'm telling you: 'Where I go, you are not able to come.' John 13:33 The Message.

"Don't let this throw you. You trust God, don't you? Trust me, There is plenty of room for you in my Father's home. If that weren't so, would I have told you that I'm on my way to get a room ready for you? And if I'm on my way to get your room ready, I'll come back and get you so you can live where I live. And you already know the road I'm taking." John 14:1-4 The Message.

"Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:27 NKJV.

Recognising that the time had come for him to leave this world, Jesus turned to comfort his disciples. Knowing perfectly well that they would be troubled in their hearts upon his death and departure, he directed them instead to the gift of inner peace that is not of the world. An inner peace that the heart receives in communion with and in fullness of the Father. An inner peace that the troubles of the world cannot take away.

"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer. I have overcome the world." John 16:33 NKJV. This is the final victory that we have in Christ Jesus. That we may perceive it, dwell on it and thirst for it. And perhaps when we understand what resting in Christ means, then our hearts and minds would be transformed; and what we value in this life will be shaped in the light of eternity.

Sv   ",+

(Last but not the least, a tribute to my twin who paced me in this morning's SBR race, also known as the Sheares Bridge Run or alternatively this year, the Singapore Bay Run. He didn't have to. He had trained hard for it. I had not sufficiently prepared for this year's race. But because he chose to pace me, I completed the race in a better time than last year. And because he did, he gave up the chance to finish the race in a time that his efforts deserved. So I just want to acknowledge his sacrifice for me. So, SBR for me this year has ended up to be "Sister Brother Run". Thanks, mate!) 

When the music fades into the night, when my days of life are through,
What will be remembered of the way I've come, when all is said and done

Will they say I love my family, that I was a faithful friend,
That I'd lived to tell of God's own Son, when all is said and done

How I long to see the hour, when I would hear that trumpet sound,
Rise to see my Saviour's face, see Him smile and say, "Well done!"

You can forget my name or the songs I've sung, every rhyme and every tone,
But remember the truth of Jesus' love, when all is said and done