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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Personal Peace (06/01/06)
The world looks for peace from all the wrong sources; new age music, aromatherapy or other religious meditations and cleansing routines claiming to do wonders for the mind, soul and body without permanent benefits. Christians on the other hand have the eternal peace of God in Christ. As children of God, we can enjoy the peace God wants us to have when we understand His heart and purpose towards us through the ministry of Jesus Christ. The moment baby Jesus was born, the angels proclaimed peace on earth. This was never the case before His birth. As we look to the Prince of Peace for rest for our souls, it helps to understand how the cross gives us peace.

Jesus gave a long sermon on how we should not worry about the future in His sermon on the mount (Matt 6:25-34 NKJV) because He really wanted us to rest in the assurance that our Father will provide. Our Lord knew that peace is stolen from man because of sin. It was in the garden of Eden that Adam forfeited his peace with God and His provision. The bible says that because of the first man all become sinners, but by the last man Jesus all are justified. Jesus paid dearly for this rest we have in Him and He qualified us for God‘s blessings when He made us children of God. Jesus’ yoke and burden in the new covenant established on His blood are easy and light (Matt 11:27-30).

Previously in the old covenant the yoke was heavy. The Hebrews’ acceptance before God and His provision, favour, healing etc., were dependent on their obedience to His law. The high priest who represented the people enters the inner court of the tabernacle annually to sprinkle the blood from animal sacrifices for the atonement of sins. God’s wrath would otherwise come upon His people because it was impossible to fulfil all the laws. Today, believers are justified before God by faith in Jesus as our High priest and God’s Holy Lamb sacrifice for our redemption. The forgiveness of sins is the believer’s true rest and peace because God is no longer angry with us. His miracles to deliver, provide, bless our families, protect us completely from calamities and war, heal all our diseases and pains are because of Jesus’ blood.

The Bible prophesises the surmounting tumults in the end times. From terrorism, nuclear wars, hurricanes, tidal waves etc., to plane and automobile accidents and other catastrophes, we need God’s protection. John 10:10 says that the enemy comes to steal, kill and destroy. However, Jesus’ blood sanctifies us and sets us apart from the unbelieving world to protect us. Just before the Exodus, the children of Israel ate the roasted lamb on the first Passover and they applied the lamb’s blood on their door post. God gave this instruction through Moses because He wanted their first born saved. In the same way, the angel of death has to bypass God’s children because we believe the blood of Jesus saves. We have peace in this world not because calamities or tribulations have come to an end. Rather, in spite of them and despite the enemy’s efforts to destroy the world and its people, we are peaceful knowing that God judicially saves and protects us in Christ.

Jesus is our refuge and we are hidden under His wings (Psalms 91). The account of how Jesus rebuked the storm (Luke 8:24) and commanded it to be still shows us that the rough waters were not from God. The storm stole from the disciples their peace. Yet, we can be encouraged because Jesus protects His own. Romans 8:35 tells us peril, famine and tribulation cannot separate us from the love of God in Christ. When our resurrected Saviour first appeared to His disciples, He said; “Do not be afraid.”

Since faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things unseen, we must know the author and finisher of our faith. A Christian’s peace in the midst of life’s stormy waters is a beautiful testimony of salvation. The peace our Hebrew Saviour offers is Shalom and we are the beneficiaries and ambassadors of Shalom. To be precise, Shalom is safety, happiness, well being, health, prosperity and peace. In short, Shalom means all things will go well. The richness of Hebrew to expound God’s purpose to bless is something believers can appreciate. After all, this is the peace bequeathed to us (John 14:27).
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
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Member Comments
Member
Date
Jan Ackerson
06/09/06
This is a very well-thought out lesson. To reach more readers, think of ways to add more "sparkle" to your lesson--a personal example, fresh ways of saying things, a touch of humor. Thank you for taking the time to present this sermonette.
Marilyn Schnepp 
06/10/06
A great sermonette and well written: however, I agree with Jan, this needs something more to keep the Reader's interest. Jesus, when teaching on earth, always used anecdotes, parables, etc, to bring home the message...which is a great way to hold the audience. Nicely done.