The peace of God

« When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem. And he sent messengers ahead of him, who went and entered a village of the Samaritans, to make preparations for him. But the people did not receive him, because his face was set toward Jerusalem. And when his disciples James and John saw it, they said, « Lord, do you want us to tell fire to come down from heaven and consume them? » But he turned and rebuked them. » Luke 9:51-55

Wouldn’t we be tempted to do what the disciples did: ask for the fire to come down on our problems, our bosses, our neighbors… in short, on everything that disturbs us? Fortunately Jesus did not come to curse people but to save them and give them peace. This peace is the Shalom of God. It is a reality meant to be experienced, first with God who gives us the assurance of our salvation, then with others. Let nothing rob you of that peace… so difficult to maintain, yet so important for healthy relationships in the love of the Lord! Last but not least, be at peace with yourself. Realise that God desired you even before your parents conceived you, and that He prepared a plan of « peace, not woe » for your life.

Jesus himself tells us in John 14:27: « Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you. » This coveted peace is the sign that characterizes the children of God. He wants us to be peacemakers who bring tranquility, serenity and rest in Jesus to the people that God sends to us. When they are settled and saved, they can become faithful disciples who will prepare for the return of their Savior and Lord. « Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. » Matthew 5:9

Does your heart reflect Romans 8:38: « I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. » This truth differentiates us from the world because we have the assurance that neither death nor life will take away our peace.

ACTION POINT: Renounce fear, for yourself and your loved ones. Trust in God’s promises, and accomplish the work that God has given you to do.

PRAYER TARGET: Ask God for His grace to help you put into practice what Paul said to the believers: « Don’t worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. » Philippians 4:6-7