PEACE

What does the Bible mean when it talks about peace? Where can we find peace?

Jesus told us "Those who work to bring peace are happy, because God will call them his children." (Matthew 5.9). This is a great promise, and it inevitably raises the question of what Jesus means about working to bring peace. The answer contains some surprises.

The Hebrew word for peace (shalom) used in the Old Testament basically means "well-being." In some cases it is used like our English word "peace" to mean tranquility (Job 3:26) or the absence of hostility (Deuteronomy 20:10, 12). More often it refers to security or safety from threats of harm (Leviticus 26:6; Psalm 4:8; Isaiah 54:13), a meaning that we do not usually associate with the English word "peace~" The traditional Israelite farewell, "Go in peace" (I Samuel 25:35) means, "May everything go well with you." Another difference between peace in the Old Testament and the meaning of peace in Modern English is that in the Old Testament peace refers primarily not to a calm, restful state of mind, but to calm, safe, and favorable circumstances. One exception is Proverbs 14:30, "Peace of mind means a healthy body," but that passage does not use the usual Hebrew word for peace.

In the troubled days of the Hebrew kings, the people of Israel often lacked peace. This was a consequence of their sins. As Isaiah told them, "There is no peace for evil peop1e" (Isaiah 48:22). God's prophets told the people not to listen to false prophets who said, "It's all right, it's all right," when the sins of the people made peace impossible (Jer. 6:14; 8:1l) God also promised that someday he would give peace to his people again. In Isaiah 32:15-20 God promises to send his Spirit and create justice and fairness in Israel. Then Israel will have peace. In Isaiah 54: 9-10, God promises no to be angry with his people anymore, but instead to love them and give them peace forever. In Isaiah 57:14-19 God promises that he will heal sinful people who are humble and heartbroken and give them peace.

God tells his people that the king he promised is the one who will bring ~peace. Isaiah calls the coming king "Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6). Ezekiel connects God's promised peace with the king like David that �God will set up to rule his people (Ezekiel 34:23-25, 37 24 26)

Since Jesus is the promised king, it is no surprise that the New Testament tells us Jesus brings peace. Paul tells us in Ephesians 2:14, "Christ himself is our peace." The New Testament authors build on the Old Testament teaching about peace to show that having the peace that Jesus brings changes every one of a persons relationships. Christ brings the believer peace with God (2 Corinthians 5:18-20). Christ brings peace between Jews and Gentiles by making the Gentiles part of God's people (Ephesians 2:1 I~ 8). Christ brings peace between people in the church (Colossians 3:15) Christ brings safety and well being to the believer (John 14:27). The New Testament writers also introduce the aspect of peace rarely found in the Old Testament: peace of mind. Jesus Christ calms the inner turmoil of anxiety and fear (Philippians 4:7), and wrong desires (James 3:16-18).

People obtain peace by trusting God (Isaiah 26:3). Peace with God comes by faith in Christ (Romans 5:1). Being filled with the Holy Spirit brings inner peace, since peace is part of his work in the Christian (Galatians 5:22). Thankful prayer brings inner peace, because we know our needs are in God�s hands (Philippians 4:7) Obeying God in difficult circumstances also brings peace. (Hebrews 12:11). The peace of security comes to those who Love God�s word (Psalm 119:165). Following Jesus� example of humility, forgiveness, patience, and love maintains peace between Christians (Ephesians 4:2-3).

Jesus clearly teaches, however, that in one sense he did not bring peace. He says in Matthew 10:34-36 that his coming will divide families. He goes on to explain that people who believe in him will be persecuted by those who ~ members of their own families. It is in this context that one should understand the saying of Jesus in Matthew 5:9. Christians are to love their enemies and pray for those who hurt them (Matthew 5:44). They must seek to live peacefully with all people (Romans 12:18). In other words, Christians attempt to make peace with people who are against them. In the long rim, the only way this peace will be made is ~ Christians work to bring peace by persuading others to believe the Good News about Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20). When God blesses their efforts, the peace he promised in his kingdom comes into people's lives (Romans 14:1 7).