1996-05-10 - God: Giver of Peace

Throughout both the Old and New Testament, there are many references to peace--spiritual peace, emotional peace and physical peace. Through Christ, we can have inner peace now, and we can be assured in the world to come, that there will be physical peace. One of the things that Christ promises us in the here and now is peace; in fact, it's what He wants for us!

John 14:27 (NIV) "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

This is the perfect peace that Jesus gives to us. Also, in God's perfect future for us, there will be peace, as in a lack of wars and strife (people getting along with each other :) Isa 2:4 (NIV) "He will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore." A world at peace, not full of wars and rumors of wars -- what a blessed promise this is for the believer!

In fact, even animals who are right now, predator and prey, will leave peacefully together! Isa 11:6 (NIV) "The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them." I believe these verses among others, show God's heart -- that He desires us to live in peace, and pursue peace. Don't get me wrong. :) I know sometimes we have to have wars; sometimes they are necessary for moral reasons.

But peace is so important, that Jesus said that when we are peacemakers, we are like our Heavenly Father: Mat 5:9 (NIV) "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God." And the Apostle Paul admonishes us: Heb 12:14 (NIV) "Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord."

Perhaps I leave the most important peace for last  the fact that we can find peace with God, the blessed assurance that we have of life eternal in His presence John 14:3 (NIV) "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am." Let it be our prayer that the peace that passes all understanding will rule in our hearts today. : ) Rom 1:7b (NIV) "Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ."

: ) Jan

Janice P. Moser
http://www.cfdevotionals.org

All scripture references are from the NASB unless otherwise noted.