Generally, peace manifests in two broad forms, negative or positive. Regarding the negative, it is the absence of conflict, violence, or distress. Regarding the positive, it is also the presence of harmony, tranquility, and contentment of mind, serenity and freedom from anxiety. Whilst the negative appeal to the physical, the positive identify with the spiritual.
The character of peace
The negative type of peace is called the peace of the world whilst the positive peace is called the peace of God through Christ Jesus. Jesus distinguished the worldly and godly peace when he said in John 14: 27, peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. The peace of the world is temporary, not comprehensive, and limited to the physical body and the world. However, godly peace is eternal, comprehensive, and percolates the soul. It is above the vicissitudes of life.
God’s peace is established through his covenant. God said in Numbers 25: 12-13, ‘I hereby grant him my covenant of peace. It shall be for him and his descendants after him a covenant of perpetual priesthood, because he was zealous for his God, and made atonement for the Israelites.’” Peace is part of God’s divine nature availed to mankind, hence Gideon named his altar in Judges 6: 24 the LORD is peace. Impliedly, there can be no true peace outside God by whose nature peace is established.
The essence of peace
Among the key blocks include physical and social reasons. God said in Leviticus 26: 6, and I will grant peace in the land, and you shall lie down, and no one shall make you afraid; I will remove dangerous animals from the land, and no sword shall go through your land. We need peace in our rest, we need tranquility when awake, we need protection from harm, and serenity in our dwelling. No money nor power nor status can avail peace but God which is what Jesus gave the world in John 14: 27.
It is for spiritual and soul resting reasons. Numbers 6: 26 says the LORD lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace. It is for the inner peace for the soul and transcends the physical and connects with God. It overcomes fear and anxiety. The angel said to Gideon in Joshua 6: 23, “Peace be to you; do not fear, you shall not die.” When we are overwhelmed with fear and anxiety, God’s redemptive grace gives us unfailing access to his eternal peace by his love. God’s countenance brings us peace.
It is for our eternal tranquility. Paul wrote in 2Thessalonians 3: 16, now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in all ways. Paul’s prayer supposes that there could also be chaos anytime and anywhere, hence we need God’s peace to terminate the chaos. Ephesians 6: 12 says for our struggle is not against enemies of flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
God’s peace is real
Worldly peace is temporary and not real. Paul wrote in 1Thessalonians 5: 2-3, for you yourselves know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. When they say, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them, as labour pains come upon a pregnant woman, and there will be no escape! The world proffers peace when there is none. Jeremiah 8: 15; 14: 19 record, we look for peace, but find no good, for a time of healing, but there is terror instead. Isaiah 48: 22 says “There is no peace,” says the LORD, “For the wicked.”
However, God’s peace comes from heaven. Job 25: 2 says “Dominion and fear are with God; he makes peace in his high heaven. It is not man made hence it has no boundaries nor limits. It comes from our love for his word. Psalms 119: 165 says great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble. God also gives peace to steadfast minds. Isaiah 26: 3 says those of steadfast mind you keep in peace– in peace because they trust in you. The righteousness also receives his peace. Isaiah 32: 17 says the effect of righteousness will be peace.
God is the true source of peace
In Isaiah 9: 6 Jesus is called prince of Peace. God said in Isaiah 60: 17, I will appoint Peace as your overseer and Righteousness as your taskmaster. In chaotic moments, Jesus the prince of peace, said to the sea in Mark 4: 39, “Peace! Be still!” Then the wind ceased, and there was calm. Jesus is above every unsettled storm of life. In Luke 1: 79 he will guide our feet into the way of peace. There is no other guide besides him. At his birth, the angels said in Luke 2: 14, “… and on earth peace among those whom he favours!”
Paul wrote in Ephesians 2: 14, for he is our peace; in his flesh he has made both groups into one and has broken down the dividing wall, that is, the hostility between us. God’s peace surpasses all understanding, and guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus, Philippians 4: 7. Paul persuaded in Colossians 3: 15, let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. He wrote in Hebrews 12: 14 pursue peace with everyone, and the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. Which peace are we pursuing in preparation to meet the Lord? Is it worldly peace or the peace of God?
Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus Christ, we have toiled all day chasing worldly peace yet have none. Your eternal peace is what will give rest to our souls. We invite you as the Prince of Peace to come into our hearts and clothe us with your eternal peace. Shod our feet into your way of peace and help us to maintain your peace in righteousness as we feed on your word. Be our peace and guard our hearts and minds in you. Help us to share your peace with one another in your holy name. we pray in your holy name, Amen!!
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