June 1, Pursue Peace
You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in you.
Isaiah 26:3
Perfect peace. How does that sound against the reverberation of chaos?
The Historical Narrative of God’s people.
From the history of God's people reflected in the larger context of Isaiah 26, we read of the inhabitants of Judea who had been born to a far distant land (the captivity in Babylon). They had been subjected to reproach, but God in His faithfulness promised that His people would once again enter the Holy City: open the gates that the righteous nation may enter (Isaiah 26:2). This announcement came in the form of a song that celebrated God’s restoration. And this song foreshadows the new Jerusalem - the new city of the Heavenly Kingdom. With this announcement of restoration, God promised peace – perfect peace. The Jewish nation, who in their long captivity and contact with pagan nations did not fully apostatize from their faith, held to the worship of the One true God. And His perfect peace was celebrated in their lives. As Israel was told that they would enter their restoration, the promise redefined their identity. In their restoration, the salvation of God would be their protection more so than any physical boundary constructed. Thus, within God’s covenant relationship, Israel would have perfect peace.
As God's people would once again learn to live in trust and confidence in their God, true peace and God's perfect covenant would become their identity and defense. What an incredible picture of the restoration Jesus Christ has brought to our sinfulness - that we would be identified as a covenant people with God, and that His salvation would be our defense.
Our Application Today. As foreshadowed by Isaiah’s announcement, only by God’s covenant established through Jesus can there be perfect peace for you and me. Perfect peace contrasts all the false narratives of peace man may attempt in his own efforts and through his own plans. True peace is a spiritual dynamic and cannot be reduced to merely a product of political or military accomplishments. True peace can only be experienced because of a right standing with God, which is only possible through faith in Jesus. Man cannot legislate nor coerce a peaceful outlook, for then peace ceases to exist. Peace comes only through Jesus.
Our culture, even many within Christian faith, seems to have forgotten that peace does not result from arbitration; peace does not come from proper legislation. True peace comes when hearts and minds align with God.
For God’s perfect peace to be a constant reality, we must live with our hearts and minds fixed upon a relationship with Jesus. And, reminiscent to Isaiah's message from centuries ago, such peace becomes for us protection and safety.
Paul wrote to the church ,
The peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6)
Such peace also becomes the identity and purpose of the follower of Jesus. Colossians 3:15 prescribes peace as our calling:
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace.
Hebrews 12:14 prescribes peace as fundamental to our right standing with others. For even our relationships are transformed as we strive to be people of peace.:
Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy.
And I Peter 3:11 places peace before us as our constant pursuit:
He must turn away from evil and do good; He must seek peace and pursue it."
Therefore, if we live under the Lordship of Jesus Christ, peace becomes the essence of our hearts: our identity, and our conversation. Peace then becomes our calling. Regardless of vocation, one's calling should always demonstrate the peace of Christ. And this must be our heart’s pursuit each and every day.
Peace with God! Peace with yourself! Peace with all others, as much as it depends upon you!
In the midst of a culture of chaos, be a person of peace. This will truly make a significant difference in a world that is self-destructing because of the absence of peace. May God be praised as we live as people of peace.
Blessings.
READ
Read Isaiah, chapters 25-26, and experience peace through the celebration of restoration.
