A story is told of a painting contest. The artists were asked to render their perspective on subject of peace. There was one who painted calm waters of a brook. Another painted a man under a tree resting. But one submitted his artwork that didn’t seem to make sense at first. It was a picture of raging waters coming from the top of a mountain. The weather gloomy and it looked like the wind was strong.
But when you zoom into one part of the painting, you will see a bird with her younglings in a cleft of a rock, nestling. In the midst of the raging waters, gloomy weather and strong winds, they peacefully rest.
The Bible says that Jesus is our Prince of Peace and He is with us every moment.
Peace is not the absence of storms
but the assurance of God’s presence in the midst of it.
In Luke 2:14, the angels declared, ““Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” Jesus came to bring peace.
1. Peace with God.
We have peace with God through Jesus. We were at war with Him. The Bible says that, “For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son.” (Romans 5:10)
Jesus came so that our relationship with God could be restored.
2. Peace of God.
The result of peace with God is the peace of God. Life is now lived before an audience of One. The Apostle Paul says that he lives to please only One – only his Savior Jesus.
We are told in Philippians 4:6-7, “Do not be anxious 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.”
3. Peace with others.
Because we have peace with God which brings about the peace of God, it is now possible to be at peace with others. If we have been forgiven of our gravest of offense, we are now empowered by His grace to forgive others.
Romans 12:18 tells us to “do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.”
My prayer is that we will trust God for restoration of relationships this Christmas season. Having peace with God and the peace of God should set us free from any inhibitions to attempt mending broken relationships. It no longer matters who’s wrong or right. The goal is to restore.
Remember, Jesus paid a debt He didn’t owe so that there can be forgiveness for those who owed a debt they couldn’t pay.
