The Things That Make For Peace
by Sheri Reaves
Isaiah 9:6 ESV
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Luke 19:41-42 ESV
“And when he drew near and saw the city, he wept over it, saying, “Would that you, even you, had known on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes.”
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Luke 19:41-42 ESV
“And when he drew near and saw the city, he wept over it, saying, “Would that you, even you, had known on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes.”
Isaiah prophesies the birth of Jesus and extols the beautiful names that embody him. One of these names is Prince of Peace. Jesus had all the wisdom, discernment, love and courage to bring peace. His kingdom manifesto emphasized "blessed are the peacemakers". But shortly before his death he is weeping over Jerusalem. He is weeping, prophesying her destruction at the hands of the Romans that would come just a few years later. As He wept He said, "Would that you, even you, had known on this day the things that make for peace!" He had encountered the hardness of their hearts and it broke his. The peace He wanted to bring them was not just a pie-in-the-sky kingdom of lions laying down with lambs. It was a right-now peace that could be experienced in real day-to-day issues.
Is it still that kind of peace? Yes.
As Christians, we know our Prince of Peace. His Spirit lives within us. All that He has is available to us now. Peace is part of the fruit of our relationship with Him. But as I mull over these verses, I wonder: Does He look at the petty skirmishes of my life and say "would that you, even you, had known on this day the things that make for peace"? Do I know the things that make for peace in my own life? And if I do, will I heed them or harden my heart? Will I choose the way of peace with my spouse, my neighbors, my coworkers?
This advent season is a perfect time to renew our commitment as peacemakers. As Paul said, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” We are after all, followers of The Prince of Peace.
Is it still that kind of peace? Yes.
As Christians, we know our Prince of Peace. His Spirit lives within us. All that He has is available to us now. Peace is part of the fruit of our relationship with Him. But as I mull over these verses, I wonder: Does He look at the petty skirmishes of my life and say "would that you, even you, had known on this day the things that make for peace"? Do I know the things that make for peace in my own life? And if I do, will I heed them or harden my heart? Will I choose the way of peace with my spouse, my neighbors, my coworkers?
This advent season is a perfect time to renew our commitment as peacemakers. As Paul said, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” We are after all, followers of The Prince of Peace.
Questions:
- Is there a relationship in your life today that really needs peace?
- How might Jesus be instructing you in the things that make for peace?
Action:
A Prayer: "Lord, I have not always opened my heart to learn the things that make for peace. I ask that you forgive me, and teach me. In this advent season, I recommit myself to being a peacemaker. In so much as it is up to me, with Your help, I will choose the things that make for peace."