Peace, peace, peace!
“They have also healed the hurt of My people slightly, Saying, ‘Peace, peace!’ When there is no peace.”
Jeremiah 6:14 (NKJV)
Is there peace in this world today? Even when nations that have been at war sign a peace treaty there is no guarantee it will last. Following the end of the First and Second World Wars, the nations formed the League of Nations, the United Nations and the NATO alliance, but these organisations have not been able to bring lasting peace. Major wars and conflicts are ongoing, and people affected by wars are crying out for peace. The fact is that wars do not bring peace; there may be relative peace, but it is not ‘real’ peace that brings peace of mind. Is real lasting peace possible?
The answer is ‘Yes!’ But not the way we humans try to achieve it. We do not know how to achieve peace nor have many acknowledged the source of peace. The fountain and source of peace is Jesus Christ our Lord, and it is comforting to know the scripture found in Ephesians 2:14-17: ‘For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation…thus making peace, and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity…and He came and preached peace…’. This is our real assurance for peace, for Jesus is the Prince of Peace: ‘Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end…’ (Isaiah 9:6-7).
Jesus promised, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27). Also, we read in John 16:33: “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” These are very assuring and comforting words from the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour, who assures us that in him we will experience real peace. The Apostle Paul describes this peace as: ‘… the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding…’ (Philippians 4:7).
As Christians we are blessed to experience God’s peace now, despite living in this present troubled world, or the trials and difficulties we face in our own lives.
I am looking forward to that time when all people can experience ‘ the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding…’. May God speed that day.
Prayer
Abba Father, thank You for true and lasting peace, made possible through Jesus. In His name. Amen.
Study by Natu Moti
About the writer:
Natu Moti is a deacon in the Birmingham congregation of Grace Communion International.
Local congregation:
Gracecom Birmingham
All Saints Church
George Road
Birmingham B23 7QB
Local congregational contact:
David Gibbs
Email: birmingham@gracecom.church
Word of Life contact:
wordoflife@gracecom.church