This
morning we are considering the second advent theme of peace. If we
fully embrace the hope (last day) as an anchor to the soul it will
stabilize and fortify us, and bring us to peace. Ultimately though,
peace is the gift of God, of which and there are two aspects, peace
with God and the peace of God. Paul tells us that being justified by
faith we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (Romans
5:1). Before salvation we were His enemies (verse 10), now we are
adopted sons and daughters, and joint heirs with Christ (Romans
8:15 - 17). Secondly there is the peace that God gives in the here
and now. Jesus tells us “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give
you, ” and like any gift, peace has to be received, and we receive
it by not letting our “hearts be troubled and do not being afraid”
(John 14:27). Most of us find that last part, the thing we need to
do to receive His peace, easier said than done. But with His help,
all things are possible.
Being
a Hebrew Jesus would have the Hebrew concept of peace (shalom).
Shalom includes our idea of peace which can mean little more than
the cessation of hostilities. But the shalom that God gives also
includes harmony, wholeness, completeness, prosperity, welfare and
tranquility. And God promises to keep in perfect shalom (not just
shalom), those whose mind is stayed on Him, those who trust in Him
(Isaiah 26:3). I don't know your circumstances this morning, but even
if you are in relative peace, you will likely know someone whose
situation could rightly be described as dire. But for all of us,
claiming God's shalom is about learning to look past the
circumstances, to the One who holds all these things in His hands,
and who has promised to work all things for good for those who love
Him and are called according to His purposes (Romans 8:28).
I
have said this before, that when I find myself in situation where I
am either in danger of loosing, or have already lost, my peace, I
work the passage Philippians
4:4-8. It's a promise that when I follow this recipe, His peace
will guard my heart and mind (verse 7). And what I do, is firstly to
choose to rejoice in the Lord. I can rejoice that my name is written
in the Lamb's book of life, if for nothing else (verse 4). Secondly
I can choose to be gentle to all, and repent if I have blown it
(verse 5). I then choose to replace my anxiety and fear with all
kinds of prayer and request, not forgetting to be thankful (verse
6). I need to cultivate a thankful heart, and there are always things
I can thank Him for, for example Jesus and salvation. Finally I
choose to set my mind steadfastly on, to meditate on, whatever is
good noble praiseworthy etc. (verse 8). In other words I work this
passage, and repeat as necessary, praying and asking for His help
and reminding Him of His promise of perfect peace.
Father,
once again this morning I resign as caretaker of the Universe. I
choose to trust You Lord, and to turn my eyes on Jesus the the
author and finisher of my faith (Hebrews 12:2). And I pray Lord for
Your shalom for others for whom this season is so very, very
difficult. Thank You Lord for Your Grace and Mercy and shalom in
Jesus Name Amen
No comments:
Post a Comment