Peace. We chuckle, Miss America contestants always say they want world peace. Has there ever been a time when there was peace across the whole world? I doubt it. I suppose we don’t appreciate how valuable peace is until we are in a war and see the cost. We know that unfortunately, at times, if freedom from oppression is to be gained it will be through war.
Will there ever be peace? Yes, one day there will be no more war. It will be when the Prince of Peace returns. When He returns, He will end all war and reign in righteousness (doing right) and with justice. Sadly, until that day there will be wars. In fact, as human history nears His return, wars will intensify. Speaking of that time, Jesus said, “You will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not frightened, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end. 7 “For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and in various places there will be famines and earthquakes. 8 “But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pangs.” (Matthew 24:6–8, NASB95).
In the meantime, Jesus offered peace for His followers. He said, “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33). He said, “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful. (John 14:27). This peace is internal and independent of external happenings. I once read of a painters’ contest with the theme of peace. Many paintings of serene scenes were submitted but the one that won the contest was radically different. The scene was a roaring waterfall, with sprays of water in the air. And amid the turmoil sat a little bird resting on a tree branch. It’s a great illustration of the peace Christ Jesus gives.
This peace begins by resolving the conflict we each have between us and God. The conflict is caused by our striving to live independent of Him and the standard of righteousness that He has given. Scripture calls it alienated from God (Colossians 1:21), “hostile toward God” (Romans 8:7), and being His “enemy” (Romans 5:10). The only way to resolve it is through the forgiveness that Jesus offers through His substitutionary sacrifice for our sin. Receiving this offer is by turning to Him confessing one’s need, asking Christ’s sacrifice to be applied, and believing (trusting) to God to do it.
Taking that step is how to gain peace with God. Romans 5:1 says, “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” That peace with God opens the door to peace from God; “And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7). Once we’ve gained peace with God, we can be at peace within ourselves, and then able to pursue the peace with others that we are commanded to pursue (Romans 12:18; 14:19; and Hebrews 12:14). As we near Easter Sunday it is good to remember not only that God desires peace, but what Jesus did to provide the means to gain it.
— Reflections appears regularly on the religion page. The column features a variety of local writers, coordinated through the Monroe Area Clergy Group.
