Welcome back eager learners! Yesterday we learned half of the answer to the question: “Will there ever be peace for Israel and her neighbors?” (See Part 1) Today, we’ll look at the other half of the answer!
Indeed, final fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy concerning the coming of the Prince of Peace is yet to come. Until that time, we are earthbound as long as we have breath! So, we need to understand that there are three kinds of peace:
- Peace with God
- Peace from God
- Peace among all people
We obviously don’t have the third yet, but Jesus has given us the first two if we will accept them!
Peace with God
Jesus brought us peace with God. Please read Ephesians 2. Those 20 verses assure us that, though we were dead in trespasses and sins, God’s great favor saved us, and now Jesus Himself is our peace. As believers, we have peace with God because of what Christ did for us! Naysayers may argue, but that peace within each believer is proof to us that Jesus indeed gives us peace with God.
This kind of peace is not only possible, but our loving God longs to pour it out upon all people! Is this peace possible in Israel, the Middle East and around the world? Absolutely! We are not praying in vain when we pray for this kind of peace!
Peace from God
This kind of peace is supernatural, calm and joyful; and it can come only from God. You’ve experienced it! Those times when things seem to be absolutely out of control, yet you have a supernatural peace that allows you to just “know” that God will be faithful in the situation. In comforting words to His disciples, Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.” (John 14:26) Again, He reiterated it to His disciples prior to His “going away”: “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
Philippians 4:6-7 tells us that this peace surpasses all comprehension, and that it will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Isaiah 26:3 tells us that our Lord will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are fixed on Him!
This supernatural peace, beyond what the world can give, reaches even into the tribulation of the world and, because Jesus Himself has overcome the world, we have confidence that His peace that surpasses all comprehension will guard our hearts and minds!
Yes, we can confidently pray for this kind of peace! It, too, is available in Jerusalem and throughout the Middle East. The whole world may partake if they only will! Do not cease to pray for this kind of peace!
Peace among all people
This peace is yet to be fulfilled, but the Old Testament prophets tell us it is coming!
Now it will come about that
In the last days
The mountain of the house of the Lord
Will be established as the chief of the mountains,
And will be raised above the hills;
And all the nations will stream to it.
And many peoples will come and say,
“Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord,
To the house of the God of Jacob;
That He may teach us concerning His ways
And that we may walk in His paths.”
For the law will go forth from Zion
And the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.
And He will judge between the nations,
And will render decisions for many peoples;
And they will hammer their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks.
Nation will not lift up sword against nation,
And never again will they learn war.
In the last day, after God’s wrath has fallen upon the earth and Jesus comes again to establish His Kingdom, there will indeed be peace!
Friends, this will not take place during our lifetime on earth. As believers, the Bible teaches us that we will be raptured out of here prior to the seven year tribulation on earth. For sure, God will shake the entire earth during that time. But He will also come again, bringing final victory and everlasting peace!
So, to the unbelieving world, our prayers for the peace of Jerusalem and for the world seem ridiculous. It appears impossible that peace will ever reign in the Holy City. But, the eternal God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob has not forgotten His promises, and He will indeed bring peace to the land. Pray in confidence continually for the peace of Jerusalem and her neighbors. Pray that their eyes will be open to the first two kinds of peace, which they may enjoy in this day and age. Then, pray for the hastening of the third kind of peace…that which will come at the Lord’s Second Coming! Maranatha, Lord come quickly!
Looking for the Blessed Hope 