So, Where's the Peace?

When you look at our world and see conflict of all kinds, it’s difficult to understand how the Bible can refer to Jesus as Prince of Peace. It seems there is some form of violence, terrorism, injustice, or hatred present in almost every country in the world.

So did Jesus fail in the “peace” portion of His mission? If He’s really the Prince of Peace, why is life filled with so much turmoil?

Let’s start by realizing our human perspective is not God’s viewpoint. Just as Jesus’ followers hoped and waited for Him to take an earthly throne as a king, we’re often thinking and expecting world peace from the Prince of Peace. Micah 5:5 says, “And he [Jesus] will be their peace,” meaning Jesus is peace. But how? How does a person embody an intangible quality like peace?

Here are some ways Jesus is peace:

• Reconciliation – The Bible doesn’t promise world peace. In fact, Jesus said not to be surprised when we hear about current fighting and potential wars. Peace comes in a relationship with God, through Jesus. We experience peace of mind and heart knowing we are no longer separated from God by our sin. Ephesians 2:14 calls the barrier between God and us “the dividing wall of hostility.” If you’ve ever experienced being in a hostile relationship, you know how uncomfortable you feel. The uncertainty of being on God’s “bad side” and the guilt of sin are replaced with peace, made possible because of Jesus’ death. Jesus stands as a bridge between God and us. Through confession and repentance we are accepted as God’s children.
• Freedom from Fear – Fear is one of Satan’s greatest weapons to rob us of peace. Troubled hearts are those consumed by worry. Fear distracts us from hearing and obeying God. Many people experience fear in almost every area of life because they are trying to do things in their own strength and “make” things happen. Jesus instructs us, “Don’t let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27). Because Jesus took the penalty for our sins, we no longer have to fear God’s anger and judgment. We also don’t have to fear the future because God has a plan and purpose for our lives (Jeremiah 29:11).
• Hope – Often we get so involved in looking at circumstances and bad things happening around us that we begin to feel nothing will ever go “our way.” Jesus reminds us in John 16:33 that we could expect trouble in this life. Sometimes people get the mistaken idea that being a Christian equals an easy life. That’s not always the case. But despite difficult circumstances, Jesus tells us to “Take heart! I have overcome the world.” Although it may be hard for us to realize, the ultimate battle with sin and death is over. Jesus won the war when He was crucified on the cross and came back to life. Therefore, we have reason for great joy and hope.
• Security – Sometimes it’s hard for us to feel safe and secure when we’re surrounded by wars, rumors of wars, and terrorist acts here in our own country. But the peace we have in our hearts through a relationship with Jesus Christ gives us the assurance that no matter what happens in this world, we are eternally secure in Christ. We don’t have to wonder what comes after death. Jesus’ legacy is peace. He promised His followers, and that includes us today, that even though He was returning to heaven, He was leaving His peace. Not peace as the world describes it, but spiritual peace (John 14:27).

When Jesus returned to His Father, He promised to prepare a place for us in heaven and to receive us there when we die. The comfort of that promise provides security, hope, and peace.