Peace

Introduction

The generic beauty contestant answer: “If you could have anything, what would it be?” World Peace!

So, the way nations work, there are ways that they work together, agreements that help to preserve the peace.

In the ANE, three levels of covenants: Treaty (lesser to greater), Contract (equals), and Grant (greater to lesser).

The grant was very rare because of it didn’t benefit the greater power as much as the lesser power.

But, the benefit to that lesser power was tremendous! It would bring about a great deal of peace in the land.

In our world today, we see the unrest that exists and the striving for peace that people are experiencing.

A loss of outer peace and a loss of inner peace.

Spiritual peace is the key to experiencing outer and inner peace.

We experience this through a Covenant with God, which He establishes as a grant to us.

A New Covenant

vv. 31-34

Something exciting about the concept of “new.”

Today’s culture gets excited for new technology. Phone upgrades. New PS5 and XBox Series X. Can’t find them!

God is introducing a New Covenant. The old one had been broken, resulting in exile. Moses/Egypt/Law.

The Old Covenant was made when God delivered Israel from Egypt (v. 32).

He’s making a New one with His covenant people (House of Israel).

Old vs. New

External to Internal (Stone Tablets to Heart) = Religion. Works based.

Instead, Internal to External “Know Me” = Relationship. Faith based.

The New Covenant has its origin in forgiveness.

An Unbreakable Covenant

vv. 35-37

Grant Covenant - who is the superior party? v. 35. Creator. Sustainer. Conqueror.

2 Conditional statements follow - both based upon impossibilities. It won’t…then also won’t.

Nothing can destroy this covenant. An internal change.

Perseverance of the Saints

Once Saved Always Saved

In the New Covenant God changes your heart.

There is now a desire to pursue God and to find peace in Him.

An Encompassing Covenant

vv. 38-40

The city of Jerusalem would be mostly destroyed. Siege for 18 months.

Rebuilt - Geographical points circling the city.

But, look at what it includes - v. 40 - the valley of Hinnom.

A place that reminded them of their rebellion. It is included.

The horse gate. Removed the horse dung. Unclean. It is included!

Every aspect of the city was included - Not just the pretty parts, not just going around it.

Didn’t have to clean it up first.

The covenant encompassed all areas!

Every aspect of your life is accepted and sacred to God.

You don’t have to fix your life first.

You don’t have to get it fixed or clean or pretty first. God does that.

Just go to Him.

Conclusion

We all have a desire to experience peace.

Sometimes we sabotage it sometimes it is sabotaged for us.

John 14:27 ESV

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

The search for peace unless you turn to Jesus.

Jesus came to bring us peace through salvation.