All peace is from God
FEBRUARY 17, 2008 (SUNDAY)
Jesus had something to say about Peace. He came and preached peace (Ephesians 2:17). Several of the Beatitudes given to us by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount commend peace (peacemakers are blessed, as are the gentle and merciful, whose ways are likely to bring peace). In many other ways, Jesus emphasized peace among men as a worthy goal.
Jesus showed us how peace between people is made possible as we learn how to have peace within our selves. Loneliness and anxiety work against peace in the heart, but Christ makes it possible for us to overcome these obstacles to such peace. The apostle Paul urged us to find the peace that Jesus gives as we learn to pray and turn ourselves over to Christ (Philippians 4:7).
Of course, the basis for peace within and peace with others, is peace with God. The entrance of sin into this world brought about the disruption of fellowship with God. Mankind rebelled against God’s authority, and decided to go its own way [“All we like sheep have gone astray, we have turned every one to his own way.” (Isaiah 53:6)] Christ came to make peace through His death, burial and resurrection. His cross bridges the gap between mankind and God. Through faith in Christ, we have peace with God (Romans 5:1).
The progression is plain to see: When you find peace with God through faith in Christ, you experience a peace within that makes you live at peace with your human family. Peace, peace, peace. It’s God’s way.