Peace is one of the most ambiguous prerequisites in our human life, you will bear with me that everyone wants to experience peace. It has been one of the yearnings of humanity throughout all ages. Anytime there has been war, there has been a great desire for peace. But the truth must be told; there are deeper contextual meanings we have overlooked for aeons and we ought to figure out the deeper context of peace.
Many times when we think of peace, we think of the Jewish word: “Shalom,” which people use as the definition of peace. In order to understand this word, we must reflect on the facets of the Hebrew term shalom, which is the bedrock of the English word “peace.” Shalom practiced is profound, comprehensive well-being — spiritual, physical, social, and psychological; it is evident in all of one’s relationship — being put right with God, with oneself, and with others. The three key areas where peace operates.
Shalom with God
Literally, shalom is reconciliation with God. shelamim offering is one of the offerings under the Mosaic covenant— the peace offering. The shelamim is a covenant of friendship (Numbers 25:12), and express community between God and His people.
God is reconciling all things to himself through Christ (Colossians 1:20), those who believe the gospel experience this reconciliation.
Shalom with Others
Shalom also means peace with others, reconciliation of peace between parties, warring factions, nations, and the end of hostilities and war (Deuteronomy 20:12; Judges 21:13; 1 Kings 5:12).
Shalom with Oneself
Shalom consists of not only outward peace between parties but also peace within oneself. Those who trust in the Lord have inner security. (Psalm 4:8). God gives perfect peace to those who steadfastly set their minds on him (Isaiah 26:3).
One of my favorite Scripture passages about peace is one found within Jesus’ remarks to His disciples before his transfiguration in John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”
Now, just take a moment with me as we emphasize some of the phrases found in this passage. Jesus says to them; “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you.” Do you and I really understand that statement? If so, then listen to the assurance attached to that knowledge; “Not as the world gives do I give to you.”
In other words, the peace that the world offers us is the peace that comes from the avoidance of trouble, distraction, or war. But Jesus offers a better peace, real peace. When someone in that ancient Jew culture said peace as they departed, they said it as a goodbye. In one sense, this was a common thing to say at a departure in that culture, to wish peace (shalom) to others as friends met and parted.” Literally, that means, God be with you.
Jesus wanted them to know that when He said peace I leave with you, it wasn’t in the usual, goodbye manner that most people said it. He was referring to true peace from God, which is different from what the world gives.
Many Christians have ignored the first paramount peace (shalom with God), and rather seek the peace the world gives. We have lost our peace with the God who is the ultimate giver of peace. We want to make peace with the world but we turn our back on the Prince of Peace and we hold grudges with the same sovereign God who is able to turn our situation around.
In today’s world, what kind of peace do we experience? Why are we still seeing? chaos, bombings, shootings, and the destruction of nations. The world is campaigning for peace day in day out. Especially in some parts of Africa where peace seems tenuous. Countries like Sierra Leone, Liberia, Nigeria, Kenya, Libya, South Africa, Rwanda, Cameron, Togo, DR Congo, Zimbabwe, Ivory Coast, Somalia, Ghana, and many more countries though may be having somewhat peace and reconciliation in their societies today, it is still fragile.
We must remember that any peace secured by guns or law and order can never be permanent. That true peace we are seeking to see in the outside world will only come when the Prince of Peace rules the nations. He must be enthroned in our hearts now. He gives us an inner peace that comes from trust in God through Jesus Christ.
I guess you have heard the popular phrase, “a life without Christ is full of crisis”. Christ came to give us peace by sacrificing himself to make peace between man and God, we must not let His sacrifice over us to go waste. Make your peace with God today.
There will be worldwide peace when Christ returns one day. But for now, peace on earth comes to one person at a time. Those who have peace with God. Do you have that peace?
Declare your peace with God:
Henceforth, I make my peace with God. I accept the true peace Christ has given me. The peace Christ gives is not like that of which the world gives peace the world gives. From now on, My heart will not be troubled and I will not be afraid (John 14:27).
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