Photo and Commentary (c)2023 by Darren Milam
Wednesday, March 15, 2023
I am not sure how many of you have had the chance to visit the Hawaiian Islands, but if you have (or you can imagine) think about a morning stroll through a lush garden of fragrant plants and flowers. This particular one, with the morning dew still clinging to the petals, is a plumeria. These flowers are used in many of the leis you see hanging around the necks of visitors to the islands. They come in so many different varieties of colors and their scent is mesmerizing.
Maybe it’s the memory of being on vacation, but when I smell and/or see these flowers, I feel a calming peace. I remember taking this image, early morning, walking leisurely on a path with the warmth of the sun on my face. Peacefulness is what I recall.
Jesus provided a much deeper peace. In the book of John, we read the account of Jesus describing His future to His disciples. At first they didn’t understand when He described needing to leave them, but promising He would return. Imagine that moment, the disciples confused and concerned. Jesus, obviously recognizing this, He wants to comfort them and give them the one thing they needed in that moment – peace.
Chapter 14:27 (NIV)
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
My favorite part of this verse is how Jesus made sure His disciples knew the peace He was giving them was different from the worlds’ peace. What a comfort that would have been for them.
Sure, strolling through a tropical garden without the cares of the work week, can give you a sense of peace for a moment, but not the kind of peace that carries us through until Jesus’ returns. No, that peace can only be provided by our Creator.
While we wait, we wait with the knowledge, and promise, of being on the receiving end of the Real Peace. Thank you, Jesus, for that gift.