“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
There is much unrest in the Middle East and always will be until Jesus returns. Even then there will be all out war. The peace of mankind does not last. It is found in the person of Jesus Christ.
You can listen to reports of fighting of Iran,Iraq, Afghanistan, Russia and Ukraine, Israel and Palestine, and then there are the drug wars of South America. You can listen to the news about daily murders in the Twin Cities, and the mass shooting throughout the United States. Drug overdoses are only increasing. We are in turmoil.
At Christmas time we are reminded of the angels’ message which proclaims “peace on earth and good will toward men”. Jesus came that we might have peace. He understood what peace was in the midst of turmoil. He was an example of one who was at peace in troubled times for those who have a relationship with God. In other words, Jesus brought peace to His followers and He brings peace to us now. Let’s look at some examples of how He does so.
When we observe Jesus’ ministry, He seeks to restore things to Shalom. We realize He did the opposite of what most disciples and followers expected. They wanted a zealot who could topple the Roman government. Instead, Jesus preached on turning the other cheek in Matthew 5. He didn’t even open His mouth to protest when Pilate questioned Him. Jesus led a life of humility and peace. We notice during His ministry He heals, even on Sabbaths, and He mends broken relationships.
We saw glimpses of who He was when His disciples were distraught on the sea with the wild rage of winds and rain. They shouted, “Master wake up. Don’t you care whether we perish?” He looked around and shouted, “Peace, Peace, be still.”
We also read of the Messiah would walk into a foreign land to be greeted by a man so deranged and wild that the town people leave him to cut himself in the tombs and keep their distance. With a command from Jesus the demons to flee into a herd of pigs and they drowned. Then the wild, bizarre, crazy man, was healed, sitting calm and peaceful for the first time in years in his right mind.
We saw peace restored when frantic sisters pleaded with Jesus to come for their brother. His friend Lazarus was dying. Jesus delayed coming. They believed He could have healed Him, but now it was too late. Jesus stood with tears in His eyes and commanded, “Lazarus come forth!” For those with an earthly view, he was dead, but Jesus knew death is a sleep. We find there is a new bodily resurrection to all people of faith in Christ. He is the restoring of peace.
The Prince of Peace stood in the garden of Gethsemane surrounded by soldiers who came with clubs and swords and lanterns. He asks them “Whom do you seek?” “Jesus of Nazareth” they responded, “I am he.” and they fall backward to the ground.
He could stand before their false accusers a little later willingly because He was the Prince of Peace. Even at His cruel crucifixion He prayed, “Father forgive them, they know not what they do.”
Paul assured the Ephesian Christians saying of Jesus, "He himself is our peace" (Ephesians 2:14). When you pray to Jesus for Shalom, you are praying to the One who is the source of all peace. To live in peace is to live in His presence.
Remember: In the midst of personal turmoil there is inner peace. Jesus is available.
Prayer: Jesus, in You there is peace beyond all human understanding. Work in me to seek You with all my heart.
