Peace on EarthExemplo

Peace at a price.

The peace that Jesus came to bring to the earth came at a price - a costly one! Jesus became that perfect sacrifice for the propitiation of our sins. The righteous, holy, sinless God needs to see justice done by punishing sin. Without justice being fulfilled, there is no shalom. Jesus brought us into the Shalom of God when he took our punishment upon Himself. His death made us righteous and restores our lost connection with the Father.

But he was pierced for our transgressions,
he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was on him,
and by his wounds, we are healed. Isaiah 52:5 -

This was prophesied by the prophet Isaiah about Jesus hundreds of years before His birth.

What kind of peace did Jesus bring?

Jesus came to bring a different kind of peace – not the peace that the world gives.

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 14:27

Jesus says this of Himself; therefore, it must be true. He gives us a different kind of peace, that keeps us anchored during trials and storms. This peace is perfect, it is lasting. It is a peace that sets a guard over our minds and hearts. It acts as a shield against anxiety and worries when we keep our eyes on the Prince of Peace. We can also replace our anxious thoughts with thanksgiving and prayer.

Since Peace is a person, we have Jesus with us 24/7. Shalom has taken residence in our hearts. We just need to keep our minds fixed on Him.

REFLECTIONS

·How has the Shalom of God made a difference in your life? What areas of brokenness can you see becoming shalom?

·Have you learned to fight anxious thoughts by focusing on the Shalom of God? If not, start today and see the difference it will make in your life.