Wooden cross in the Good Shepherd Chapel

Day

33

Peace

Lent 2018

In him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.

Colossians 1:20


Peace is a mental and physical condition that we seek throughout our lives. Sadly, there are rising numbers of people reporting an absence of peace in their lives. As Christians, we believe that “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth” and all that was created was “good” (Genesis “31). In the beginning, there was perfect peace on earth. Unfortunately, sin entered our world and that perfect peace was lost. Thankfully, God so loved the world that “He gave his only Son” (John 3:16). Isaiah foretold that this son’s name would be called “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).

Jesus committed his entire life to bring peace to the sick and dying, peace to those caught in the storms of life, peace to those possessed by worldly demons, and peace to all who heard him speak or teach. It might seem that this peace was destroyed on the cross, but even there he made peace by his blood (Colossians 1:20). Furthermore, we read in John 20:19 that after his resurrection, when Jesus appeared to his disciples, he greeted them saying, “Peace be with you.” He had restored peace to all. We can only imagine the collective sigh of relief these disciples had after realizing “peace” was again restored in their lives for that day, for tomorrow, and for eternity.

Christians are commissioned and empowered by the Holy Spirit to intentionally act and speak to help as many people as possible believe that “it is true.” Jesus has made peace for us. He brings peace to our lives today and throughout eternity.

Kent Schlichtemeier
Professor, Concordia University Irvine

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