Ecclesiastes 3:8 …a time of peace.
Peace definition according to dictionary.com;
(The nonwarring condition of a nation, group of nations, or the world. A state of mutual harmony between people or groups, especially in personal relations: the normal freedom from civil commotion and violence of a community; public order and security: cessation of or freedom from any strife or dissension. freedom of the mind from annoyance, distraction, anxiety, an obsession, etc.; tranquility; serenity: silence; stillness: )
The word peace covers a gauntlet of conditions. Notice it covers a physical and a no physical state. I think maybe the easiest definition of peace in our own works could be simply the absence of strife of any kind. Is there ever a time in today’s society when we ever find a time for peace? When we look at news reports, you mostly see the opposite of peace going on. The world at large seems to be in a constant struggle. For s Christians and believers in Christ, we need to be able to separate the worlds we live in. Are we heavenly minded or worldly minded.
John 18:36 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.
Matthew 5:14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
I wanted to share these verses to get into the context on where I will be going with this study today. Us Christians today find ourselves not living in peace due to what is surrounding us in this world and or even from our own accord, or circumstance even beyond our control. But even in the midst of this we should be able to have peace abounding in us. There in John 14, Jesus is saying he gives a peace that the world cannot give. All through John 14 Jesus talks about not being of this world. We should not be troubled with the goings on of the world. We are called to be a light to this world. If we do not have peace our light does and will not shine. We are tasked to share the gospel with all we know. The Gospel is Jesus Christ. He is the peace! But if we do not have the peace resonating in us, we cannot share what we do not have.
Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Matthew 10:34 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.
Luke 12:51 Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division:
Isaiah 48:22 There is no peace, saith the Lord, unto the wicked.
Isaiah 57:21 There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.
Interesting to note that Jesus said he did not come to bring peace here on earth. The earth is worldly, wicked, the devil roams it. It cannot be peaceful according to Isaiah. Jesus’s peace is not of this world. It is heavenly based. Our mindset has to be heavenly oriented to be able to experience true peace. So here I am going to get to my point. Have you ever wondered why we always say, "rest in peace” When someone dies. I would assume that saying would come from Isaiah 57 verses 1-2. But that would only pertain to a righteous man. (Go read it) Why do we not greet each other sending peace greetings? Why do we not say "live in peace” while we are here on this unpeaceful earth? Do you know how often peaceful greetings and farewells happens in the Bible but not rest in peace?
Genesis 43:23 And he said, Peace be to you, fear not: your God, and the God of your father, hath given you treasure in your sacks: I had your money. And he brought Simeon out unto them.
Judges 18:6 And the priest said unto them, Go in peace: before the Lord is your way wherein ye go
Judges 19:20 And the old man said, Peace be with thee; howsoever let all thy wants lie upon me; only lodge not in the street.
Luke 10:5 And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house.
Romans 15:33 Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.
1 Corinthians 1:3 Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 1:2 Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
Philippians 1:2 Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
As you can see, Paul made it a huge part of his vocabulary when writing to the churches. There are many more verses that show this. Going back to Matthew 5:14, We are the light of this world. It is demanded of us to send peace to everyone we can. Peace is a fruit of the spirit. (Galatians 5:22) We should be exhibiting the fruits of the spirit to all that cross our path.
To conclude, we need to find our peace in God. We need to walk in His ways and turn our minds to a Heavenly mindset. Only then can we spare ourselves of the turmoil of this world. Then and only then can we be the light of this world to spread heavenly peace to everyone around us. We need to find our time of peace.
COMMENTS
[ posted by Cindy, 10/02/2024 04:57 PM ]
The only time we will have peace on earth is when Jesus returns to rule earth for 1000 years where there will be peace for everyone, every nation and even the animals, and then for eternity.The Bible never tells us that followers of Jesus will not have problems, troubles, afflictions, sorrows, or tribulations in our earthy time here. Just because we are Christians does not make us exempt from strife and troubles and disasters, etc. But God has given us His words on how to cope and handle things like those using His peace. I can tell you I have read or watched things on TV or online about goings on in the world that really made me worrisome and afraid. I have to catch myself when I feel that way and get back to praying. I don't want to live in fear. Fear takes away our peace. Peace is mentioned over 400 times in the Bible (older versions) In Old Testament 'peace' was used as meaning of soundness, well being, and completeness. In New Testament it was more meant of wholeness, prosperity, or righteousness when used. The word "shalom" is the Hebrew and Greek word for peace. Wishing someone peace as they go, is wishing them blessings of being safe, goodness, good luck on travels perhaps, and to be well. Mike listed many verses where salutations and sentences using 'peace' spoken to others. Go in peace. Peace be with you. Peace with mind. Now add -- wholeness, well being, completeness, or prosperity with that. All of those can also relate to our peace we have with our relationship with God. He brings us peace in our hearts and mind. God can bring us wholeness, righteousness, well being, and even prosperity when we put our trust in Him for peace. Mark 6:34 " Take therefore no thought of the morrow; for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself..." Jesus never worried about tomorrow. He took one day at a time. He never worried about a raging storm on the sea, he was peacefully asleep. He never lost his peace (of mind) while being beaten and then crucified. Even facing death, Jesus still had peace. Yes, he cried out in the end to His Father...but He showed peace and calm to the others around Him, people he encountered, His betrayer, the arresting officials, even to the crowd who exclaimed to crucify Him. Mike said above, we will never have peace in this world as long as there is evil. That is the truth. The devil only has so much time to destroy the earths peace and wreck havoc for us. Since we can't control all the unpeaceful things that are going on, we have to be able to keep the peace within ourselves. That is hard to do sometimes. But, no one can take away the peace God has given us. We can choose not to allow that peace within us, but no one can take it from us. Re-read John 14:27 Jesus says "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." We need the spiritual peace Jesus and God gives us thru our faith. Jesus says take my peace so you will have peace. He wants is to "trust" Him. John 16:33 " These thingsI have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." We are to be peace keepers. Keeping Christ in our homes and communities. Keep God's presence with us at all times. We discussed in the past week or so about putting on 'the armor God' to protect us from the evil around us, and that can help us kto keep a peaceful mind and soul, and make sound decisions in our lives, especially during the bad times. Find God's words when you feel like you are losing your peace to fear or anxiety of what's going on around you. Cling to the spirit of God and Jesus and the Holy Spirit within us to keep a peaceful spirit. Gal 5:22 But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith... Num 6: 26 The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. Prov 12: 20 Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil; but to the counsellors of peace is joy. Prov 16: 7 When a man's ways please the Lord, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him. Rom 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Rom 8:6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Phil 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Jesus Christ. 2 Cor 13:11 ...Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you. There are many more verses with peace in them. I saved my favorite verse in the Bible for last, Romans 15:13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. We have to trust the peace Jesus shares with us today is also the same promise of eternal peace with Him and the Father in Heaven forever and ever.