The Elusive Peace

The Straits Times Singapore 10 Dec 2023

'Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.' John 14:27

On the 10 Dec 2023, in churches and Christian homes, the second Advent candle symbolising peace was lit. It represented that proclamation of peace and goodwill to all men sung by the angels in the fields of Bethlehem at that first Christmas 2030 years ago. 

But there is no peace today in that part of the world. The Israel-Hamas War at the Gaza Strip entered its 72nd day with unrelenting destruction. Israel launched a massive offensive in Gaza, in response, after the surprise attack by Hamas gunmen in Israel killing 1200 people and taking around 240 hostages. To date more than 18,700 Palestinians were estimated to be killed and 116 Israeli soldiers lost their lives in the fighting. Apocalyptic conditions grip Gaza. 

St Paul in Ephesians Chapter 2 wrote that Christ has brought peace to us by uniting Jews and Gentiles into one people, that is by becoming Christians. The Israelis are mostly Jews and the Hamas militants are mostly Muslims. This leaves the Palestinians Christians in the middle having to suffer no peace on earth.

'He (Christ) made peace between Jews and Gentiles by creating in Himself one new people (Christians) from the two groups. Together as one body, Christ reconciled both groups to God by means of His death on the cross, and our hostility toward each other was put to death.' Ephesians 2:15b-16 (NLT)

Unfortunately from the Battle of Jericho to the Battle of the Gaza Strip the people living on the piece of land on this earth, often referred to as the Holy Land, know only war throughout their history. 

There are three kinds of peace.

• Relational Peace.  This is the peace between one person to another, between communities, ethnicities, people groups, nations and religions. This is often the only kind of peace we think about; the peace we hope for. This peace is elusive especially when there is no real desire for it. Many Christians believed that Jesus Christ came to establish this kind of peace but they are mistaken. Violence seem to be the only way to resolve national and boundaries differences. There is no harmony. The Gospel of Matthew recorded these words of Jesus

"Don't imagine that I came to bring peace to the earth! I came not to bring peace, but a sword." Matthew 10:34 (NLT) 

• Psychological Peace. This is inner peace. 'Peace begins within, at the centre of your being. You experience it at the core, deep within your heart, like a still stream, a millpond of calm, where soft ripples gently flow through you out to others.' (Joy Lenton Ref 1). This kind of peace does not mean that externally, things are always peaceful or there is no adversity. This is the peace that can occur even in the midst of stress and trouble. This is the peace Jesus promised His followers.

'I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart because I have overcome the world.' John 16:33 (NLT)

This is a comprehensive well-being, peace in the soul. 

• Spiritual Peace. This is the peace between God and Man. The  reconciliation is made possible by the saving grace, the redemptive sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Jesus gave us this peace, Peace with God.

'Therefore, since we have been made right in God's sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of underserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward  to sharing God's glory.' Romans 5:1-2

Having been reconciled with God we have peace in the spirit.  

The reality is, as the Bishop Robert Solomon observed, "Peace seems to be in short supply, in a world throbbing with tension and trouble." (Ref 2) The Prophet Habakkuk had similar complaints,

'How long, O Lord, must I call for help? But you do not listen! "Violence is everywhere!" I cry but you do not come to save. Must I forever see these evil deeds? Why must I watch all this misery? Wherever I look, I see destruction and violence. I am surrounded by people who love to argue and fight.' Habakkuk 1:2-3 

We should not be surprised, looking at the landscape of 2023, that the world's population are disheartened, discouraged and disillusioned. World peace eludes us.

But Jesus Christ did come and we celebrate this Advent by lighting the second candle of peace. Christ did bring peace with the first Christmas, a peace that is not what we all expected. 

"I am leaving you with a gift - peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or afraid." John 14:27 (NLT)

It is a peace which transcends all understanding. Receive this wonderful peace this Christmas.

'Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus' Philippians 4:7 (NLT) 

1. Far away in the depths of my spirit tonight
   Rolls a melody sweeter than psalm;
   In celestial-like strains it unceasingly falls
   O’er my soul like an infinite calm.
   • Refrain:
     Peace, peace, wonderful peace,
     Coming down from the Father above!
     Sweep over my spirit forever, I pray
     In fathomless billows of love!
2. What a treasure I have in this wonderful peace,
   Buried deep in the heart of my soul,
   So secure that no power can mine it away,
   While the years of eternity roll!
3. I am resting tonight in this wonderful peace,
   Resting sweetly in Jesus’ control;
   For I’m kept from all danger by night and by day,
   And His glory is flooding my soul!
4. Ah soul, are you here without comfort and rest,
   Marching down the rough pathway of time?
   Make Jesus your friend ere the shadows grow dark;
   Oh, accept this sweet peace so sublime!

Shalom!

Lionel

Ref 1 Joy Lenton, 13 June 2022 https://joylenton.com/2022/06/13/peace-why-its-not-as-elusive-as-you-might-think/

Ref 2 Robert M Solomon, The Sermon of Jesus, Chap 9 Making Peace in Troubled Souls and Societies. Genesis Books, 2013

Other Contemplation articles on Peace:

https://contemplation-lionel.blogspot.com/2022/12/peace-and-goodwill-to-all-men.html

https://contemplation-lionel.blogspot.com/2019/12/a-time-for-peace.html

https://contemplation-lionel.blogspot.com/2021/10/perfect-peace.html

https://contemplation-lionel.blogspot.com/2020/06/costly-peace.html