Prince of Peace
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7)
It was early in the morning just before daybreak. The only sounds that could be heard were the soft, early morning sounds of silence. There was an occasional buzz from the highway a mile or so away, but they were mostly absorbed by the trees and grass and covered with the sound of the gentle morning breeze. “Peace! Perfect Peace.” The song scurried through my mind and I wanted to break out and sing it but I didn’t because I did not want to break the sound of peace.
As the light of the morning sun slowly inched its way upward in the eastern sky, the sound of silence was broken. Odel and Elmer, my two red roosters, were bidding for the opportunity to announce the coming of the morning light. Both of them are just learning to crow, so the sound was quite captivating. Nothing but peace and solitude. Everyone ought to experience that at least once in their lives.
It wasn’t long before I was in the car, leaving behind my haven of peace, headed for the “rat race” of traffic and congestion. Journeying over to the West side of town, my haven of peace suddenly became all the more important. The traffic was bumper to bumper. Me and my little VW played the game of weaving in and out of the traffic, hurrying along as we went. Horns were blowing, an occasional tire squealed as someone got too close, and I longed again to hear the silence and the sounds of Odel and Elmer.
While all that was taking place, I thought of the peace of God that passes all understanding. Being a Christian does not get you out of the “rat race” of life. The peace of God is not a peace that blocks the traffic on North Hearne or I-20. It is not a peace that makes the car run better or that keeps the tires from becoming flat. The peace of God in our lives does not change the ugliness and rudeness in the lives of those on the streets of a busy city. It simply puts you at rest with God.
I cannot sit here and tell you all about the peace of God. For one thing, it “passes all understanding.” Who am I to say that I have a handle on God’s matters. All I know is that having peace with God is worth more country roosters than has ever been hatched.
Having the peace of God means that I need not fear His wrath. The wrath of God is and will be directed toward those who deny Him, those who ignore Him, those who will not acknowledge Him, and those who bring harm to His children.
Peace with God is a salvation matter. If I am not under His wrath, I am under His banner of grace. If I am at peace with Him, I am in accord with the host of heaven. And only until I am at peace with Him can I be at true peace with myself and my brethren.
Jesus Christ is the “Prince of Peace.” God, our Father, is a God of peace. We are to be a people of peace. “Blessed are the Peacemakers.”
I would not appreciate the peace of the country if I did not know the turmoil of the city. I would not appreciate the voice of Odel and Elmer unless I had heard the voice of confusion. I would not appreciate the sweetness of the peace of God unless I had first tasted of His wrath.
God gives us peace because He is a God of peace. Share this peace!