What God Gives
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you.”
Last week, I started watching Burn Notice, which is a show about a spy who gets burned (aka fired). It only takes a few episodes for the obvious spy themes to appear - power is necessary, and relationships are weaknesses. Power has the edge, and whether it’s wielded by outsmarting your opponent or out-gunning them, every super spy needs an angle.
A spy is the epitome of a “man of the world” - typically, he (or she!) is intelligent, capable, attractive, powerful, and in peak physical condition. But, as you dig into the back story of a spy, it’s pretty empty. It seems like spies get the best the world can give - power, excitement, adventure, money, glamour, prestige - and none of it leads to a fulfilling life.
Jesus doesn’t give like the world gives.
The cold-hard truth is that the world can’t give what Jesus can because there’s no substitute for love, peace, and human connection. While spies view love and connection as weaknesses and liabilities, the rest of us rely on love and relationships to survive.
To be seen, accepted, chosen, and known comes through relationship, and it’s what brings peace. In each other, we find what we truly long for - love, care, safety, affection. It’s through the gift of relationships, with God Himself and one another, that we find our place and our peace. It’s through the gifts that only God can give that we’re able to rest in His peace.
Father,
Thank You for showing us a better way. Thank You for the ordinary, simple life that I get to have with You and with the communities that You’ve given to me.
Teach me how to rest in my relationships, to be vulnerable enough to share my heart and rely on other people. Open me up to love others with the same love that You have.
God, we love You. Help us to receive the gifts and the peace that You offer. Amen.