Lord, you establish peace for us; all that we have accomplished you have done for us – Isaiah 26:12

If there is any time the world needs peace, it is now. There is chaos in people’s hearts, and there are disturbed minds everywhere. Chaos reigns in homes, marriages, fraternal relationships, communities, nations, and even in the church. Too many unsettled issues and serious disputes have brought untold misery to many lives around the world. Conferences have been convened in response to these situations, and numerous reports have been issued and implemented with fanfare; but very few results have been achieved. Peace treaties have been signed, only to be broken shortly thereafter; so the carnage goes on. The situation worsens, as conflicts escalate and wars breakout. Terrorism festers everywhere as a result, leaving in its wake, poverty, fear and misery. The evidence is in the eyes of the Syrian refugees and economic migrants on the Atlantic and Mediterranean high seas, who are reaching out for perceived opportunities in Western Europe. So, why has peace become so elusive in spite of the numerous well-meaning efforts everywhere?

The plain truth is that there can be no peace without justice; and there can be justice without righteousness. That puts Jesus at the center of all things. He is the Prince of Peace who rules in righteousness. Isaiah prophesied about Him this way:

“For to us a child is born, to us a Son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase in His government and peace, there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever” (Is. 9:6-7).

Christ Jesus is the only King who has established peace for the world (26:12), and upholds His kingdom with justice and righteousness (9:7). He suffered Calvary for this purpose of God and rose from the grave in victory to establish His eternal rule in the hearts of all who believe in Him as Savior and Lord. This is the work of grace through faith, and is available to all who turn to Jesus in repentance (Eph. 2:8-9). It is a transaction that establishes peace between the penitent soul and our gracious God (Rm. 5:1). In the midst of all the troubles in the world, God gives His peace to guard the hearts and minds of His children in Christ Jesus (Phil. 4:6-7). It is a blessedness that transcends human understanding; yet only few seek it. Regardless, this reconciliation that brings peace with God through Jesus is real and available to everyone who asks, seeks, and knocks on heaven’s door (Matt. 7:7-8).

That’s the Good News we celebrate this and every Sunday as believers of Jesus. We share it with our lives every day and everywhere; and we invite the suffering to come to Christ and receive rest for their weary souls (11:28).

Maybe today is your day of grace. Don’t harden your heart when the Holy Spirit convicts you (Heb. 3:7-8). Open it wide to Jesus and experience a peace you have never known before. The Psalmist invites you to, “Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the person who takes refuge in Him” (Ps. 34:8). Will you come to Jesus today?

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you, now and forever, amen!