“Therefore, being justified by faith we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 5:1
Scripture speaks a great deal concerning the matter of peace, the peace that needs to be known between God and the sinner, but also that which should exist between men. Paul writes concerning our relationship with others by saying: “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.” (Romans 12:18) We know that as sinners, we are immediately at a disadvantage and capacity to live in peace with others who do us wrong, or who are our enemies. It is at this point, and in this circumstance, that the issue of peace is a very real matter to be faced. We are confronted with the question of the nature, power, and practice of true peace. What is this peace that we are to know? Is it from heaven or from the earth? When we look heaven-ward we see the Lord, perfect and holy who, though He loves the whole world, and has done all to save all men, is not in a “peace” relationship with all sinful men. His wrath abides on the unbeliever. Peace does not exist between sinful, unbelieving man and God. However, when a man is justified by faith in the Lord Jesus, Christ becomes his peace. The enmity with God, His wrath, is turned away. A relationship of peace is forever established between the Father and His child. What then of this peace of God in us by the Spirit? How is it to be revealed towards men? Is it possible for us not to live peaceably with all men? The answer is yes, but, because God’s peace, and the love behind it is so great and overcoming, all measures and resources will need to be exhausted before we come to the point of impossible peace.
Again, let us reiterate that, it is the will of God, that we “…lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty,” (1 Tim. 2:2) for we are called to love our neighbor as ourselves, and be fervent in Christ’s love towards our brethren. But there are examples in Scripture when a line has been crossed with regard to peace and seeking to live in peace. One of those examples is found in the book of Joshua. It is revealed during the military campaign to conquer and possess the promised land. Five kings of the Amorites, of whom God had spoken to Abraham hundreds of years before, were found hiding in a cave, after the defeat of their armies. They are brought before Joshua and the captains of his men of war. Because of the fullness of the iniquity of the Amorites, there was no desire or will for peace by them towards the Israelites, only animosity and defiance. Their only desire was to destroy Israel, and totally eliminate them. It is Joshua who will tell his men that, with regard to the enemies of Israel in Canaan, they are to be strong, and of a good courage, “…for thus shall the Lord do to all your enemies against whom ye fight.” (10:25) These five kings were not shown mercy, but killed, for there was absolutely no room for peace on their part.
Another example of no peace between men is found in the account of Jehu’s dealings with Jezebel. Jezebel, who had killed the Lord’s prophets, and killed the servants of the Lord, had survived her wicked husband. Jehu had been chosen, and anointed by God, to destroy the entire house of Ahab, Jezebel included. When Jehu came to confront Jezebel, the kings of Judah and Israel, the question was asked him: “Is it peace?” (2 Kings 9:17) To Joram, king of Israel, Jehu would respond: “What peace, so long as the whoredoms of thy mother Jezebel and her witchcrafts are so many?” (9:22) Jezebel, as well has her deceased husband Ahab, had crossed a line beyond which there was no place for peace. They were at war with God, and God would win.
Dear Father, We praise Thee that the Lord Jesus IS our peace, and our capacity to live in peace. Fill us with the power and wisdom of Thy peace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.