PEACE IN THE DAY OF CHAOS
Anita Clark – PastorGrace Chapel, Carbondale, Kansas
“John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace from Him which is, and which was, and which is to come... And from Jesus Christ...” Revelation 1:1-2.
When it became the time for Jesus Christ to give His life for the sinful world, He said in John 14:27, “Peace, I leave with you, my peace I give unto you, not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” The word “peace” in the Gk. means, “quietness and rest.” He has given us peace, our part is to appropriate it, letting God’s peace be manifest in our daily lives.
The condition of the United States and the World as a whole is very unpeaceful. In the Old Testament writings about the condition of Israel in II Chronicles 15:5, it states, “And in those times there was no peace to him that went out, nor to him that came in, but great vexations upon all the inhabitants of the country. And nation was destroyed of nation, and city of city, for God did vex them with adversity. Be ye strong therefore, and let not your hands be weak: for your work shall be rewarded.” What a precious promise!
The world has been going through terrible problems. The Corona Virus has really taken it’s toll upon humanity, especially in foreign countries where there are many who live in poverty. Statistics show that in countries all over the world 6,344,239 have died from the Covid virus. The virus is just one problem that we have been experiencing. The war in Ukraine has affected many nations. The U.S.A. is furnishing many weapons and other supplies, which causes us to wonder - How long can this go on? The problems with the prices at the gas pumps, the increase of food costs, and many other conditions have arisen all over the world. Many people are out of work, and some begging for help, and many being evicted from their homes. These are just a few of the conditions around the world in this day we live in. I say unto you, We are living in the last days. Jesus Christ will come very soon. The tribulation is almost upon us.
I Peter 1:6-8 states, “Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Wherein we greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: that the trying of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it be tried by fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom though now ye see Him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory.” Paul says in Ephesians 2:14, “For He is our peace.” The word “Peace” means “our rest and quietness.”
The word Peace has three different ways seen in the Word of God.. First there is “Peace with God.” “Therefore being justified by faith we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” The word “justified” in the original Greek means “to render or show or regard as just and innocent.” We were sinners before we came to know Jesus as our Savior. God has made us righteous. We were cleansed because Jesus bore our sins and died for us, and as we accept that, God gives us a wonderful standing. Colossians 1:21 says, “And you who were sometimes alienated and enemies in your mind, by wicked works yet now, hath He reconciled.” When we become the children of God, we are given profound PEACE.
The next part is THE PEACE OF GOD. This is what God wants to work in us. This PEACE settles our minds. Jesus said in John 16:33, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye shall have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer. I have overcome the world.” The word “overcome” means “to conquer, prevail and get the victory.” The meaning of the word “peace” in the Greek language means -”quietness, and rest.” As we go on with Christ, yielding to Him, we are continually getting victory over all things that would cause us to lose rewards with Him. Trials are hard. None of us enjoy going through tough times, but we seek the Lord and He gives us peace. How precious!
Isaiah 26:3-4 says, “Thou wilt keep him in PERFECT PEACE, whose mind is stayed on Thee, because he trusteth in Thee. Trust in the LORD for ever; for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength.” As far as our salvation, we should be assured that we are saved and going to heaven. Jesus made the peace at the cross. Satan will try to trip us up, but we are victorious in Christ Jesus.
HOW DO I GET THAT PEACE? First of all, Jesus is called “The Prince of Peace” in Isaiah 9:6. Also, we can pray for peace to come into our lives. It helps to read the Word of God often, and believe that God hears our prayers and loves us so much.
HOW DO WE KEEP ON FEELING THAT PEACE? The answer: God’s Word. Reading the Word gives us assurance and peace. Also, attending the meetings to have fellowship with other Christian believers is important. Hebrews 10:25 admonishes us: “Not forsaking of ourselves together as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another, and so much the more as we see the day approaching.”
In II Corinthians 13:11 Apostle Paul says, “Finally, brethren, farewell, be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace, and the God of love and peace shall be with you.” To “be perfect” in one translation says, “Be made complete,” while the words “live in peace, “are interpreted “ enjoy the spiritual well being experienced by believers who walk closely with God.” “Now the God of Peace be with you all. Amen.”
