Peace

Some time ago I began using the word "peace" to close emails and letters. I suppose I started doing this in an attempt to be hip. As I have continued this practice, I do so more now in appreciation for peace. Peace is one of the most valuable commodities in my life. The Apostle Paul used this familiar salutation often in his letters to the churches, "Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ."

The angels announced the birth of Christ this way, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!" Isaiah prophesied the coming Messiah would be called, Prince of Peace. When Messiah puts the government upon his shoulder on and for all there will be no end to peace. The description of life on earth after the Lord's second advent is one of peace. Swords will be beaten in plows. Wolves and lambs will live together. Children will play over the holes of cobras. Jesus will reign over this world with love and peace.

Until Jesus comes again to rule and to reign in the earth as Prince of Peace, let us do all we can to bring peace and to live in peace in our little corner of the world. While the world awaits the coming of God' kingdom, we live in his kingdom now. The Pharisees asked Jesus when the kingdom of God would come. He told them God's kingdom does not come with observation. In Luke 17:21 he declared, "The kingdom of God is within you." The Prince of Peace now rules in his kingdom. As his subjects let us yield our hearts, minds and actions to his peace.

Romans 5:1 declares, "Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." Our sins and transgressions have been forgiven. May we receive this wonderful gift. Yet, the guilt of our unrepentant sin robs our peace today. We must boldly apply 1 John 1:9, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

Revenge, seething turmoil, anger and hatred robs peace. Forgive others. Do not judge others. Romans 12:18, "If it is possible, as much as depends upon you, live at peace with all men." Every person is looking for inner peace. Tennis star Boris Becker was on the brink of suicide said this, "I had won Wimbledon twice, once as the youngest player. I was rich. I had all the material possessions I needed, but I had no inner peace." There is a false assumption that different circumstances will bring inner peace and happiness. Peace is not the absence of problems. Peace is the absence of Jesus in  the midst of my problems.

In Philippians 4 we are encouraged to pray instead of worrying. The promise is that peace beyond our comprehension will guard our hearts and minds, when we pray, praise God and give him thanksgiving in the midst of all of our circumstances. Until Jesus comes again to rule and to reign in the earth as Prince of Peace, let us do all we can to bring peace and to live in peace in our little corner of the world.

Peace,

Stan