For some time now the world has been trying to broker a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas. This week we’ve come to achieving peace since the conflict broke out last year.
Since then life has been a nightmare for all Palestinians living in Gaza who are caught in the crossfire. The fallout has spread to other areas in the Middle East.
- Destruction
- Displaced Palestinians
- Death
- Famine
It seems everyone wants a cease-fire except Israel. Prime Minister Netanyahu’s quest for justice has become a pursuit of revenge. It is a tragedy to see how quickly our human nature can contradict God’s divine nature, even for the people of God.
The irony of it all is God’s people are supposed to be people of peace. Our fallen nature even distorts what we worship, chaos becomes our peace (Isaiah 5:20.)
Peace
I wasn’t alive in the 60s during the peace movement, but I studied it in school. It seemed like the entire world wanted peace, but no one knew exactly how to achieve it.
Peace has multiple meanings, “State of harmony, tranquility, a state of mutual accord between governments, silence.” Peace has nothing to do with everyone getting what they want, but trying to get along despite our differences.
Peace has always been championed in Christianity because we live in a world of chaos and war (John 14:27; 16:33, 1 Peter 3:10-11.) The Apostle Paul had a lot to say about peace because he learned it as a Jewish Pharisee (Romans 8:6; 12:18, 1 Corinthians 14:33, Galatians 5:22, Ephesians 4:3, Philippians 4:9, Colossians 3:13, 2 Thessalonians 3:16.)
Sālôm
Judaism places a lot of emphasis on peace. The Hebrew word used in the Old Testament for peace is Sālôm and it can also mean “Happy, complete, prosperity, health, or rest” depending on its context.
Thus, peace in Judaism isn’t just the absence of war or suffering, it is being connected to God like the Bible says it was in the beginning (Genesis 3:7-10; 5:21-25.) The Torah emphasizes peace because with God everything is perfect and without fault.
Even the prophecies about the Messiah say He will usher in an age of peace (Isaiah 9:6-7.) Judaism has many expectations for the Messiah.
- A male descendent of King David
- Human
- A perfect teacher of God’s law
- A great political leader
- Able to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem
- Rule over all of humanity
- Usher in peace
But, keep in mind peace doesn’t just mean the absence of war; it is being restored to a correct relationship with God. Jesus made it clear; He didn’t come into this world to bring earthly peace (Matthew 10 34-39.)
This world and Satan are at war with the Kingdom of God and (Romans 8:7, James 4:4-10.) Jesus promised we would face trials here (John 16:33.)
Jesus came to restore God’s creation to the right relationship with God. The messianic age can only occur on a perfect earth and heaven, this world will pass away first (Matthew 24:25.)
Perfect
It is foolish to look for perfect peace in a corrupt and fallen world; a world that is clearly getting worse each day. And I’m not talking about the Democrats or lost people.
Like our Jewish stepfathers, many people look for God’s blessings and rewards in a world that will end. That is why God’s people are to put their hope in God, not this world or what it offers.
This world cannot complete us. We cannot expect to pray for things, a person, or a political party to save us or make us whole. Jesus promised to give His people a peace that this world cannot offer (John 14:27.)
God’s people cannot worship the temporary things of this life. We worship the true God Who is not of this world.
- Holy
- Just
- Sovereign
We don’t want to learn this the hard way. Recently the current Miss America resigned from her responsibilities of the role. Less than a year ago she stated. “I am at peace, “after winning the crown.
However, the pressures of trying to be perfect affected her mental health and caused her to step down during Mental Health Awareness Month.
Her peace was temporary; it was based on her position, beauty, and success. She learned the hard way that earthly greatness and success don’t give us šālôm!
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In