12/09/2019
Do we lead a peaceful life? Does the peace of Christ govern not only our own lives, but also influence the lives of everyone around us? We are meant to be like Jesus, and in this way we are called to be peaceful beings. Look about you today and ask yourself a few questions about living your life in faith... is my home a place of rest and peace? Do I conduct myself in a peaceful manner at all times? When I pray am I praying for peace to be the product of my every desire, or just an occasional wish?
“And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.”
Colossians 3:15 ESV
We can’t be at peace in any other way without first being so within ourselves. This means that until Jesus abides in us we have no hope of being at peace as He is. Oh, we can talk about it, and perhaps even imitate it in short spurts, but until Jesus rules our heart, and becomes who we truly are, then His peace can only be like a visitor... a traveler who is passing through. Once Jesus abides in us we are no longer merely actors in a play who appear to be at peace, until when the final curtain falls, we return to our daily life. If we are to be sons of God we must accept Christ as our Redeemer, invite Him into our hearts, give him domicile there, and become transformed to be as He is... humble, self-effacing, loving, obedient, and yes, peacemakers.
“"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”
Matthew 5:9 ESV
When we are at last made to be peacemakers then not only are we personally at peace, but all those around us begin to know what it means to be at peace, and to experience the Peace of Christ. Jesus thus has taught us, and His peace transformed us from immature lovers who can only feel this virtue, into mature believers who are now able to make it... into children of God who can peacefully sow the seeds of righteousness.
“And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.”
James 3:18 ESV
So are we true peacemakers, or just practitioners of an immature earthly peace? Can we look at our faces in the mirror, and see the Peace of Christ glowing there? As we are transformed by our faith, it should be apparent to us that we have become more than just actors who play the role of Jesus, but our very DNA is changed to be like His... the love, the humility, the peace, and all that He is, is now who we are. We are of one body, holy, and truly the Children of God.
“Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.”
Hebrews 12:14 ESV
Prayer:
Father, thank you for your Son Jesus who teaches us, and transforms us to be as He is. Thank you Lord for your peace that flows through Him, and the rest we feel by accepting it as our own. Help us Holy Father to not only be at peace within ourselves, but to make peace with our enemies, and all those around us. Give us the ability to plant the seed of your peace so that we might harvest the righteousness that springs forth from it for your granary. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God of Peace, and the Father of Jesus the Peacemaker. Praised be your name for transforming us from imitators of Christ into being just as He is... heirs, and joint heirs with Him, in all things. Great are you for making peace with our sinfulness by sacrificing your Son, and raising Him from the dead. Amazing is your mercy, loving kindness, and the love you show through the peace you teach us. All glory is yours Father for pouring your grace over us from the Cup which is Jesus... your Dove of Peace.
“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.”
2 Thessalonians 3:16 ESV
Rich Forbes