When the angels announced the birth of our Saviour to the Shepherds near Bethlehem, they sang: Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests. (Luk. 2:14)
But not many years later, this same Saviour said to his disciples: Do not think I have come to bring peace in this earth! I have not come to bring peace, but a sword (Matt. 1:34) and also: Do you think I have come to bring peace on the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division! From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other, three against two and two against three. They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother … (Luke 12:51-53)
But then, on the evening before his death, Jesus said to his disciples: Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you – not as the world gives, I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. (John 14:27) and also: I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)
So we understand that the peace He gives
· Is for those on whom His favour rests
· Is different from what the world calls peace
· Is His peace and is found in Him
· Is practiced actively amidst trouble
So what is the basis of our peace? Rom. 5:1 says – ”Therefore, because we have been declared righteous by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Rom 8:6 – ”The mindset of the Spirit is life and peace.” We have an inner peace, a mindset of life and peace through God’s Spirit in us.
Phil. 4:6-7 – ”Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God – and the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” We expel anxiety by prayer and thanksgiving and God keeps our thoughts and feelings at peace.
Col. 3:15 says – ”And the peace of Christ must rule in your hearts.” And James 3:17 states – ”But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceful, gentle, obedient, full of mercy and good fruits, non-judgmental, without hypocrisy.”
2 Pet. 3:14 – ”Therefore, dear friends, because you are waiting for these things, make every effort to be found at peace, spotless and unblemished in Him!” It is our responsibility to strive to live in faith, obedience, purity and peace.
VIOLENCE AND OUR RESPONSE TO VIOLENCE, INTIMIDATION AND INJUSTICE
Matt. 11:12 – ”From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been subjected to violence, and violent people have raided it.”
Matt. 5 teaches in v. 5 – ”Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. And v. 9 ”Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
v. 30-40 – But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to take your shirt, hand over your coat as well.” And v. 44-45 – ”I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your father in heaven.”
Peace amid violence and injustice depends on my attitude of meekness and forgiveness.
WARNINGS – 1 Cor. 7:23 – ”You were bought at a price. Do not become slaves of men.”
2 Cor. 6:14-17 – ”Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship have light with darkness? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? What agreement is there between the Temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of God. As God has said: ”I will live with them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people. Therefore, come out from them and be separate, says the Lord.” When our only loyalty belongs to God, no man can steal our peace.
OUR CONFIDENCE – 2 Tim. 1:7 – ”For God has not given us a spirit of cowardice, but of power and love and self-discipline / a sound mind.” And 1 John 5:19 We know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.
Peace comes with our confidence that He will never fail us. We will overcome. Thank You Blessed Jesus, that as we near Christmas time, we remember You as the Prince of Peace and the price YOU paid to become our everlasting peace.
Elzeth Marherbe