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.
CFD | May 1996
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