DAY – 17
PRINCE OF PEACE
For to us, a child is born,
to us, a son is given,
And he will be called
Prince of Peace. Is 9:6
`Long before the birth of Jesus, Prophet Isaiah predicted that "the son of God," Jesus Christ, would come into the world to redeem the world. Yes, Jesus came as the personification of peace. The word "Peace" in Hebrew is called "Shalom," and it refers to the appearance of calm and tranquility in individuals, groups, and nations. So, Christ's ultimate mission and purpose were to bring peace to the world. "And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus," says the Bible. (Gal 4:7) "Peace I give unto you, not of this world, but the peace that comes from me," Jesus said. So, the kind of peace we receive from God is ["which transcends all comprehension"] (i. e. the harmony and calmness of body, mind, and spirit that transcends early circumstances).
1) When a Man's ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies be at peace with Him. (Prov 16:7)
`This is without a doubt one of my favorite Bible verses. We cannot understand or experience the meaning of the word "peace" because we live in a completely chaotic environment. We are constantly at odds with the darkness, as well as those who are in the darkness among us. The community in which we live is frequently referred to as the cluttered community. During this upheaval, God promises to make us live in harmony with both those who love us and those who despise us. People may dislike us for a variety of reasons, and they may even wish the worst for us; however, when our actions please the Lord, He makes us at peace with those who persecute, crush, and hate us.
David truly was a man after God's own heart. God loved David so much that He helped him escape from all of his enemies. Even though David had been fleeing for his life for nearly several years, God protected him and hid him under His mighty wings. God said to David, "But you will have a son who will be a man of peace and rest, and I will protect him from all of his enemies on all sides. His name will be Solomon, and during his reign, I will grant Israel peace." (1 Chronicle 22:9) King Solomon led a peaceful life. Unlike his father, King David, who fought numerous battles, God gave King Solomon rest on all sides, with no disaster or adversary. 1 Kings 5:4 His territory was expanded, and many kings conducted large-scale transactions with Solomon. His reign was prosperous, and the people were grateful for God's favor and peace. King Solomon followed the advice of his father, David, who urged Solomon to "fulfill your duty to the Lord your God." Obey his commands, laws, commands, rules, and written instructions as outlined in Moses' Teachings.
Then you'll be successful in everything you do, no matter where you go." 1 Kings 2:3 Regardless of how many times King Solomon failed God in his later life, God never broke the covenant He made with King David. King Solomon's life was still a picture of God's divine kindness and comfort.
So, the question now is, how can I please God?
Fear God
"The LORD delights in those who fear Him, and in those who hope in His mercy" (Psalm 147:11).
We will avoid sin if we have a proper fear and respect for God. (Example 20:20) It constantly reminds us that God's eyes are on us and that we cannot escape God's wrath and judgment. "For if we sin willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there is no longer a sacrifice for sins, but only a fearful expectation of judgment and fiery indignation that will devour the adversaries." (Hebrews 6:31)
The fear of the Lord compels us to walk in the paths of righteousness, to be holy, and to be an acceptable offering before Him. So, a healthy fear of God is apprehension about the consequences of disobedience.
obey God
"Does the LORD take as much pleasure in burnt offerings and sacrifices as he does in obeying the voice of the LORD?" "Behold, obedience is preferable to sacrifice" (1 Sam 15:22).
God commands us to obey not only because it is good for Him, but also because it is good for us (Deu10:13). His laws and commands are good, and by obeying Him, we grow in Godly, righteous character, becoming more like Him! This is how to make God happy.
Carry out God's will
"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does the will of my Father in heaven." (Matthew 7:21)
God has a plan for each of our lives. This is revealed to us at any point in time. Some of our life's purposes are revealed to us before we are born, while others are revealed to us in our youth. God speaks to us about His plans for us through the word of God (Bible), sermons we hear, and the prayers of God's people. We, as God's children, are obligated to be subject to the goal that God has in store for us.
The purpose of Christ's earthly life was to save mankind and reconcile them with God, and Jesus accomplished His mission. On the Damascus Road, Paul encountered the Lord and His divine purpose for his life. Immediately (realizing God's plan for his life), Paul preached the Christ in synagogues, proclaiming that He is the Son of God. (See Acts 9:20.)
When we please God and obey Him in all situations, He brings peace into our lives.
2) "You will keep him in perfect peace whose thoughts are fixed on You because he trusts in You." (Exodus 26:3)
Through Jesus Christ, God assures His children of the heavenly gift known as "Peace." Jesus came to bring God's peace, a peace that endures in all circumstances. God's people will never be deprived of this peace. There are three major enemies that we, the spiritual Israelites, face today that disrupt God's peace in us. They are as follows: 1. doubt, 2. fear, and 3. worry.
We continue to doubt God's promises when it takes a certain amount of time or when the circumstances do not align. We frequently have heartaches as a result of our lack of faith in Him. When Jesus was on earth, He frequently revealed to His disciples the purpose of His ministry. At times, He foretold His death and resurrection to them. (Matthew 16:21) "Jesus began to explain to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of elders, chief priests, and teachers of the law and that He must be killed and raised to life on the third day."
He purposefully explained it to them to encourage the disciples to boldly proclaim the gospel of God's kingdom to the ends of the earth. Jesus bore our inequities and died, just as He had predicted. However, Jesus' mission and the Father's divine plan did not end with the tomb. The Glorious Power of God's Spirit brought Jesus back to life. He was/is resurrected and will live forever. Yes, Jesus Christ lives, and we bear witness to that.
Returning to the plotline, the tomb where Jesus' body was kept came to life. Following His resurrection, Jesus appeared to His disciples, who were filled with doubts, anxieties, confusions, and worries. On the evening of the first day of the week, when the disciples were gathered, with the doors locked out of fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus appeared among them and said, "Peace be with you!" (Matthew 20:19) When Jesus showed them His hands and side, the disciples were overjoyed. "Peace be with you," Jesus said to the disciples once more. Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the twelve disciples, was not present when Jesus appeared. As a result, the other disciples informed him, "we have seen the risen Lord." But he told them, "I will not believe unless I see the nail marks in his hands, put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side." (Matthew 20:25) We can all identify a Thomas in ourselves at times. We may have heard thousands of sermons and received numerous promises from God, but we continue to focus on the storms and winds in our lives rather than fixing our gaze on God. We frequently doubt God's promises, are afraid of the situation and are concerned about the future. Consider Thomas's life. His other (say, ten disciples) friends saw Jesus Christ alive and shared the good news with him, but he couldn't believe them.
Thomas was with Jesus and witnessed the miracles, His love, and His manifested power among the people firsthand. He walked everywhere with Jesus, ate with Him, slept next to Him, and had a wonderful relationship with Him. Thomas' heart, however, was filled with doubts. We may hear many testimonies in our daily lives, and we may have been a testimony during the previous battle, but we still fail in our faith at times. Do not be concerned, my friends; God is always with us, encouraging us to "fear not." The risen Jesus, whom everyone else saw, returned for Thomas. Jesus did not despise Thomas for his lack of faith. But he proved to him once more that "He is alive." Thomas had the opportunity to touch and feel Him. Remove your doubts, fears, and worries because God's power is limitless and capable of doing anything for us. Remember and remind yourself of Jesus Christ's resurrected power, and walk in His ways faithfully.
According to the above verse, God gives perfect peace to those who trust in Him and whose hearts never sway at the subjects. One of the reasons for David's unwavering faith was that he chose to keep God in front of him at all times, and as a result, his faith was unshakeable.
Paul chose another prophet named Silas to assist him in carrying out God's Ministry. The Spirit led Paul and Silas into Macedonia after a journey through Asia Minor (Acts 16:6–10). People were saved and a church was established during the missionaries' time in Philippi, but Satan opposed their work. For their preaching, Paul and Silas were arrested, beaten, and imprisoned. (16-24) Satan intended to end Paul and Silas' ministry by locking them inside the prison wall, inside the darkness, inside the hopelessness, and the confusion.
But do you remember what happened in the cell? While imprisoned, Paul and Silas sat with their feet in stocks, singing hymns. Aren't you astounded to learn that they sang and praised God while their feet were chained and their lives were imprisoned? Take note of their greatest strength and zeal for Jesus Christ. They trusted the Almighty God and overcame their fears and doubts by keeping Jesus ahead of them. Are you someone who aspires to have the utmost faith and zeal for God? Here's the deal: "I keep my gaze fixed on the LORD. I will not be shaken with him at my right hand." (Psalm 16:8) Paul and Silas were filled with God's Peace, which transcended fleshly and earthly concerns.
They were filled with the peace of eternal God, not the peace of this world, which is dependent. They were not only chained but also severely whipped for spreading the Gospel. Amid their anguish for Christ, they were filled with Christ's comfort, joy, and peace. So, what happened next? Did God intervene to save them? Did He come to their aid? Of course, He is the God who never abandons or abandons His children. Suddenly, there was a great earthquake, which shook the foundations of the prison, and all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were unfastened. When the guard awoke, he noticed the open doors. He assumed the inmates had escaped. Paul assured the guard that he had nothing to worry about. All of the inmates were still present. The guard knelt beside Paul and Silas and inquired as to how he could be saved. The gospel was taught to the guard and his family by Paul and Silas. The guard and his family were baptized that night.
Do not forget that God touches the lives of those who live among us through our misfortunes. He saves us and allows us to testify to His power. He touches many other people's lives for Him through the peace of God in us, just as Paul and Silas did. By trusting Him, you can stay strong and enjoy God's supernatural peace.
3)" Great peace to those who love Your Law, and nothing causes them to stumble." (Ps 119: 165)
As we recognize Jesus Christ and the Heavenly peace, He brings into the lives of those who accept Him, let us also consider what each of us must do to obtain/enjoy this peace in our lives. To begin with, when we walk in God's way of truth, God gives us peace by making our enemies harmonious. Second, God gives Peace to all who put their trust in Him. Third, God bestows abundant peace on all who obey His Law. God's law was revealed to His people, the Israelites, through His Prophet Moses.
Obedience to this law was God's people's most important obligation as they sought His favor and blessing. After all, Israel, His chosen people, had made a solemn covenant with Him. So, the laws were not just rules established by the tribal chief but were the laws of the covenant community established by the Almighty God Himself. As an eternal oath, the commandments were given to the Israelites to be followed by generations after generations. When the law was transgressed, the covenant was broken, and so was the relationship with God! That is why the law has such a significant role in Israeli life.
So, what exactly is the Law?
The scriptures contain a massive division of laws. 1. The Moses Law 2. Jesus Christ's Gospel.
1. As previously stated, God gave the commandments to Moses on Mt. Sinai. God summoned Moses and Aaron at various points in the wilderness to give instructions to the children of Israel. The Mosaic Law included
Gospel of Preparation
@ Burned offer
@ Belief in Jesus Christ, repentance, and baptism are all required.
@ Ten Commandments
@ The Covenant Law
Carnal Law @ Ordinances - Offerings @Performances - including dietary and purification laws
To precisely define the Law of Moses, we can say that it contained the fundamental portion of the gospel of Jesus Christ. It was never meant to be something apart from, separate from, or even inferior to the gospel of Christ. It was simply to aid the people's concentration and comprehension. Unfortunately, the Israeli people found it offensive, and they became rebellious, arrogant, vengeful, and cruel as a result.
according to the Psalmist, those who willfully obey and walk in God's Law will be surrounded by endless peace.
The Law of Moses was not intended to save men, but rather to demonstrate their need for salvation and thus lead them to Christ.
(Galatians 3:24)
So, why is there a law?
It was added because of transgressions until the offspring to whom the promise had been made arrived, and it was put in place by an intermediary through angels. Galatians 3:19
Because of the increased violations (curses were placed on the children and generations who disobeyed the Law), God sent His only son Jesus to save the people from sin and curse. Because of the disruption, there was no peace in the world.
Jesus Christ's Gospel
As a result, Jesus was sent as the redeemer to save the fallen Mankind. The long-awaited Messiah, prophesied by the prophets, arrived as Immanuel. The Israelites expected the Messiah to come in the form of a King, persecute and redeem their enemies.
However, Jesus came as a humble servant of God to fulfill the Law. As a result, the people were once again perplexed about accepting Jesus as their Messiah. As a result, Jesus stated, "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have come to fulfill them, not to abolish them" ( Matt 5:17) "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls," Jesus assured the people who were already frustrated by the burden of fulfilling the Laws. 11:29 (Matthew)
What can we take away from Jesus?
As a result, the Laws were constrained to two major and indispensable accomplishments.
1. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.'
This is the first and most important commandment.
2. And the second is similar: 'Love your neighbor as you love yourself.' All of the Law and Prophets are based on these two commandments." (Matthew 22:37–40)
The law of Christ supersedes but does not replace, the law of Moses.
But have you ever considered the people who loved and lived in ways that pleased God before the Law of Moses?
What happened before Moses' Law?
Adam's two sons, Cain and Abel, were born after he fell into sin. Cain worked as a farmer. He grew vegetables as well as grains. Abel was a shepherd in charge of the family's herds. Cain and Abel, like most brothers and sisters, didn't always get along. Despite their disagreements, they were brothers who adored each other.
Cain and Abel were taught by their parents to sacrifice to God to express their remorse and seek God's forgiveness. Abel was very concerned that his sacrifice is unique in the eyes of God. He chose his best lamb and presented it to the Lord. It was difficult for Abel to give up his most prized possession, but it was important to him to do what God had asked. Cain thought his younger brother was a fool for giving up his best lamb. "Good grief," he thought. "We require that lamb, but God does not. I'm sure He'd be just as happy if we sacrificed the runt of the litter. In fact, why does it have to be a lamb at all? I'm a farmer, and my wheat crop has done so well this year that I won't be able to use it all. Why don't I just burn some of the extra straw I have? That way, I won't be wasting any." Cain watched as the lamb burnt up completely on the altar, while his leftover straw just smoldered a bit and never really caught fire at all. That can only mean one thing! Abel was preferred by God. Cain was envious! He didn't take the time or the responsibility to recognize that the difference in God's response to their sacrifices was due to his decision to sacrifice straw. Instead, he became enraged at his brother. Cain invited Abel to accompany him on a walk, and while he was still angry, Cain struck Abel to the ground and killed him.
Abel was killed as a result of hatred. He was the origin of the first bloodshed on the planet.
We can now see why Jesus emphasizes the importance of loving everyone.
Because love is patient and kind. Love does not enviously, boastfully, or proudly. Love does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, and it does not keep a record of wrongs. Love does not take pleasure in evil, but rather rejoices in the truth. Love always guards, always believes, always hopes, and always perseveres. Love is unbreakable.
Cain would not have died if he had only had this love for his brother. Fill your hearts with God's love as a people for God, who belong to Jesus. "Do everything in love," Jesus Christ's commandments say. (1 Corinthians 16:14)
Walk-in Love, let the peace of God rule in your hearts. (Col 3:14)
4) " I will both lie down in peace and sleep; You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety. "(Ps 4:8)
The peace that God gives is a limitless abundance pace. It has nothing to do with relaxation techniques. This peace allows even the most troubled person to lie down and sleep soundly. Consider this: can we sleep peacefully when we are upset? For many of us, going to bed is the only place where we can cry and be bothered. Many psychologists believe that this is where depression begins. We go to bed, reflect on the events of the day, and plan our activities for the next day. We do this with a lot of upheaval and turbulence at times.
But why does David say, "I will lie down in peace and sleep"? Because the Lord of Hosts makes it possible for him to live in safety. Nobody could take his life or harm him without God's approval, David was certain. Even when his enemies were attempting to take his life and he was fleeing for his life, David was at peace because his trust was in Him. David had complete faith in God, and God not only protected him but also gave him great joy and peace.
The peace that God gives is not of this world, nor does it depend on earthly terms. Sleep is a pretty humbling thing when we remind ourselves that our lives are in the mighty hands of God rather than worrying.
When Jesus was on the boat sailing to the other end, a great windstorm arose (Mark 4:35), and the waves were breaking into the boat so that the boat was already filling. Everyone in the boat was terrified for their lives. Jesus was on board the boat with them. What was Jesus doing during the storm, in the boat? Jesus was dozing off. He was sound asleep. Neither their screams nor the torrential rainstorm could disturb His sleep or His peace.
God's exuberant peace in Jesus Christ vividly depicts the kind of peace He offers to each of us. Despite the overwhelming chaos in our lives, God calms our hearts and gives us joy beyond comprehension. They awoke Jesus while he was sleeping and said to Him, "Teacher, we are perishing; do you not care?" At times, we may ask Jesus the same question: "God, why don't you solve this problem?" Do you still want to come with me? Don't you care that I'm swamped with problems?
All of these questions arise as a result of a lack of faith in God. Jesus awoke and rebuked the wind, saying to the sea, "Peace!" Be silent! And then the wind died away, and there was complete silence. The only thing that concerns me is whether or not we have Jesus on board. If so, do not be concerned; He is the Master of the Sea, and He is the only one with the authority to calm everything that rages. If not, invite Jesus, the lifeguard, into your boat.
"I lay down and slept, but I awoke safely because the Lord is watching over me" (Ps 3:5)
5) "Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called the children of God. "
Peacemakers are those who follow in the footsteps of Jesus, the Prince of Peace. We are the chosen peacemakers, filled with God's Peace as we work to reconcile people with God and with one another. As such, peacemaking entails taking the initiative to intervene in conflicts to bridge gaps between opposing parties.
God's choice to reconcile the human race to Himself by sending down His only Son to serve as the final sacrifice for our sins is the ultimate example of taking action to cultivate future harmony. (Colossians 1:20; John 3:16) Jesus Christ resolved the ultimate conflict between God and mankind.
The Bible instructs believers to "make every effort to live in peace" ( Heb 12:14)
Many people solved the people's dispute in the Bible. Jonathan attempted to mediate a truce between his friend David and his enraged father Saul.
God's peacemakers must live in peace by honoring others above themselves, sharing with those in need, rejoicing with those who rejoice, mourning with those who mourn, and consistently turning away from evil and doing good. (Romans 12,13, and 1 Peter 3)
Allow the God of Peace to rule over our hearts and lives, uniting us to Jesus every day.
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