Contemplative Bible Reading

John 14:27 (New Living Translation)

27 “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.

Jesus is speaking soon before the crucifixion. Jesus is leaving Jesus is leaving the followers with a gift —peace of mind and heart. Well, that’s a nice gift. We could all use peace of mind in these troubled times. Thank you.

Note, however, this gift cannot come from anything on earth. My wife can’t give me this. My grandchildren can’t give me this. My … the list continues. This gift comes from Jesus O N L Y.

Well, that sounds sort of arrogant. What do you mean no one else can give this? I can find that in a lot of places! Really? Nope. Don’t waste time and breath arguing with Jesus. There is no other source of true peace of mind and heart. Hmm. I don’t like that. Hmm. I better accept what Jesus says and stop trying to be God or make the coffee shop God because I get peace of mind in the coffee shop on Saturday morning and … Nope. Wrong direction. Wrong idea.

Please God, help me in my unbelief.