The world is restless and so are many within the Church. Peace amid chaos seems like an impossibility. The division chaos has created appears too deep and entrenched to overcome. There is hope, a single hope that has the power to overcome the chaotic affairs of our world.
If one does a simple word check through the New Testament regarding the word peace you will discover the Lord’s idea of peace is very different and can appear contradictory at times to our preferred understanding of the word. It is a word defined most clearly in the midst of conflict.
Prince of Peace is one of the titles given to Jesus. It is translated in the writings of Isaiah the prophet as the Commanding Warrior of Peace who brings the victory of His peace into places of chaos. When the Commander arrives in a chaotic circumstance, His presence takes authority over the chaos offering peace to those who profess His name.
Thayer’s Greek lexicon defines this specific peace as “the tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and content with its earthly lot, of whatsoever sort that is.” This definition of peace was placed in the context of Jesus speaking to His disciples in John 14 shortly before His betrayal and arrest. He leads off the chapter with these words “Do not let your hearts be troubled” (vs.1). It is defined in a chapter where Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (vs 6). If someone wants access to this supernatural kind of peace they need to understand it is only available in Jesus Christ, nowhere else can this peace be experienced no matter how admirable or inclusive another option might appear.
Toward the conclusion of John 14, Jesus said “All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:25-27).
When we carry the peace of Jesus, our mere presence wars against the chaos of this world. Peace is a possession, not a religious concept. Wherever you travel today, if you know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, you carry the presence of the Commanding Warrior of Peace. No chaos can withstand His presence. Do not let your heart be troubled by the chaos you see and most importantly, do not be afraid of anything because Peace has overcome the chaos.
0 Comments