Waiting with Peace

Isaiah 9:5–7 ESV

5 For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult and every garment rolled in blood will be burned as fuel for the fire. 6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

Experiencing the Beauty of Peace in Bethlehem

For reasons I cannot quite remember (perhaps the guidebooks or the guide himself told us it wasn't much to get worked up about), I wasn't excited to visit the birthplace of Christ while visiting the Holy Lands in 2008. I recall wishing we could spend our time in Jerusalem, but I didn't have a choice. If the group was going to Bethlehem, I was, too.

We walked through the dusty streets of the town and soon came to the entrance to the Church of the Nativity. We stood in line for what seemed like hours, winding our way downward into a series of caves (though we often have nativity sets of barns and stables, Christ was actually born in a cave).

Once there, I was hushed by the holiness of it all. There were candles lit here, there, and everywhere. Hundreds were on their knees in prayer, scattered about on the cold, damp floor. We made our way to the traditional cave of the birth where we read Matthew's story once again. Soon we were singing. "O Holy Night," "O Little Town of Bethlehem," and "Silent Night."

Right there in a church building that has been ravaged by war and terrorism and today is owned by four different religious groups, we prayed for peace. We offered a continued invitation for shalom. It was one of the more sacred moments of my life. As we left, I passed by all the pilgrims yet again. Some were from Germany, Poland, or Italy and others from England, Spain, or China. They, too, sang and prayed. Anger and violence wrestled about in all our worlds, but in that moment we had all come together in Bethlehem to worship and celebrate the Prince of Peace who, if anything, was working shalom into the folds of our lives as he will until the day he returns to work it into all things, once-for-all.

The moment we left the Church we were back in Palestine territory, you could still see the remnants of war and oppression all around. What had just happened in that moment in time. What had happened that starry night over 2,000 years ago as the Angeles declared, “glory to god in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom his favor rests.”

Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians & Colossians C. Peace of God (v. 7)

In the world of turmoil in which we live, the peace of God is an attractive concept. Yet it is not always understood. We sometimes fight images in our mind of angels slouching on couches, listlessly picking at a harp, trying, after a million years, to think of a new tune. To English-speakers, peace generates images of war being finished. For us, peace is an absence of conflict either internal or external. The biblical idea of peace is much broader, however.

Peace: In the Biblical context, peace is the wholeness or completeness that as a result of alignment with God’s creative and redemptive purposes. Peace can also be seen in the light of wars ceasing, but the biblical concept of peace is even broader.

Salom: can refer to the wholeness or well-being as in the sense of political or interpersonal peace. Other words in Hebrew show peace as a verb denoting states of quietness, rest, and completion.

Cosmic: There is also a cosmic sense about the word peace in the sense that all aspects of creation has a broken peace with God, both human and non-human, should exist in harmony with each other. Peace is the ideal creation that God’s redemptive activity seeks to restore.

NOTE: Christians should seek to live at peace with other human beings, but ultimately peace comes as a result of Jesus work and therefore, is a free gift given by God. Peace was the customary greeting that we find any many of the letters in the New Testament. Peace was also the customary greeting coming and going it was the first and the last thing you would say to someone. Peace is therefore restored through the redemptive work of Christ on the Cross.

TRANQUILITY - PEACE

The absence of mental stress or anxiety; especially that results from a proper recognition of salvation’s worth.

How do we experience peace in the waiting? (Rom. 15:13; Col. 3:15)

I think this is the wrong question to be asking. We should be asking:

Big Idea: The destruction of this world will cease only through the Prince of Peace.

What does peace in the waiting do for us?

1. Peace in the waiting prepares us for Evangelism.

Look at Ephesians 6:15

Ephesians 6:15 ESV

15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.

This comes on the tale end of a larger part of Ephesians chapter 6 look at the beginning of this section in verse 10 Paul writes “be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might, put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.”

Note: Isn’t it strange that right in the middle of a passage dealing with spiritual warfare and conflict Paul should mention the gospel of peace. Look at what Paul says in Ephesians 2:13-18

Ephesians 2:13–18 ESV

13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility 15 by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, 16 and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. 17 And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.

So, here is the good news of the gospel, that we who were once enemies of God have now entered into the peace of God through his son Jesus Christ.

Note: So, when you share Christ with someone what you are really offering them is Peace. You are offering them peace with God. AS we read in Isaiah 9:7 the day is coming with the whole earth will be filled with His righteousness and peace. The Bible is perfectly clear that only those who trust him as Savior and Messiah will experience the peace of God.

The angels’ declared in Luke 2:14

Luke 2:14 ESV

14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

The angels indicate that peace will come for those to whom is favor rests. How do you know if you have the peace that the Angels were speaking about over 2,000 years ago? Jesus gives a little picture in Luke 10:5-6 “whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace be to this house!’ And if the son of peace is there, your peace will rest on him. But if not, it will return to you.” God’s peace is offered to all but not all are “son’s of peace.”

We have peace among God’s people, we have peace with our own soul. And peace with other people.

NOTE: By peace we do not mean the absence of conflict or struggle.

2. Peace in the waiting leads us to a life of trust.

Romans 5:1 ESV

1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

3 Relationships that are healed from a lack of trust and belief.

Peace with God, ourselves, and others.

*Peace with God means our rebellion is overcome.

John 16:33 ESV

33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

The peace of God living inside of us constantly reminds us that we are no longer enemies of God our rebellion against him has been put away. We are now adopted into His royal family.

1 Peter 2:9–10 ESV

9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

*Peace with ourselves means our anxiety is overcome.

Philippians 4:6–7 ESV

6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

*Peace with others means our quarrels are overcome.

Romans 12:18 ESV

18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.

“If possible, as much as it depends on you, live at peace with all people.” NOTE: Notice it say’s “all”.

For some of us getting together with family at Christmas is anything but a peaceful experience. I have had my share of holiday’s that were not very peaceful.

How do we cultivate a life of peace with those who are difficult to get along with and continually cause conflict in our lives.

We must continually cultivate a sense of amazement that in spite of all our sins God has forgiven us through Christ. Be amazed that you have peace with God. You were once not a people, but, now you are His royal priesthood and adopted children.

Ephesians 4:31–32 ESV

31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. 32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

3. Peace in the waiting brings us contentment in the storm .

We must remember that peace does not mean the absence of conflict.

Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians & Colossians (III. Conclusion: Painting Peace)

Painting Peace

A number of years ago a very rich man wanted a painting that would portray peace. He commissioned three artists to paint peaceful scenarios. After a month the artists returned with their paintings completed. Each painting was placed in the foyer, covered by a veil, waiting the moment of revelation.The first artist unveiled his painting of a beautiful mountain scene. The mountains were covered with green aspens and spring flowers. The snow-capped, majestic peaks rose up to meet a blue, cloudless sky. The rich man said, “I like it. This mountain scene is indeed peaceful.”

Then the second artist removed the cloth veil draped over his masterpiece. His painting was of a beautiful ocean view. The sand was crystal white. The sea was blue and tranquil. The sun was slowly setting in the sky as its reflection danced across the placid sea. In the center of the picture were two people relaxing in lawn chairs at sea’s edge, their feet dangling in the water. The rich man was delighted. He said, “I love the beach. I love this. What a splendid portrayal of peace.”

The third artist reluctantly pulled the veil from his painting, and the rich man looked with puzzlement. This artist had painted a waterfall scene. In this scene a raging river is falling hundreds of feet, crashing on the rocks below. The rich man said, “How is this peaceful? I’ve stood beside a waterfall, and it’s anything but peaceful. The sound of the water is deafening. All I see is turbulence. Where is the peace?”Then, the third artist said, “Look closer, sir. Notice I painted the waterfall from the side. Look closely under the fall, behind the water, and you’ll see a cleft in the rock. Do you see it?”

Leaning forward, the rich man replied, “Yes, I see it, and I also see a bird perched in that cleft. The artist responded, “That’s it, sir! That’s the peace! In the midst of the noisy turbulence, the bird has found a peaceful place. That, my friend is real peace; the ability to find peace in the midst of troubled chaos.”The point of this powerful story is the point of Philippians.

Very seldom do we in the midst of stressful relationships and undaunting demands get to escape to the peaceful mountains or tranquil sea. Like the waterfall scene, most of life is lived in the middle of noise, rushing activity, turbulence, chaos, with things crashing down all around us. This realistic painting of peace brings good news.

In the midst of the trouble, Jesus is the cleft in the rock. We can find peace in him. He is the shelter in the midst of the storm.Peace is not the absence of trouble.

It is not circumstantial bliss or “life without a hitch.” Rather, peace is the presence of Christ in our lives. When we come to Christ in the midst of troubling relationships and dilemmas, we find both the “peace of God” (v. 7) as well as “the God of peace (v. 9).Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28). Peter comparably said, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (1 Pet. 5:7). As you perch in the cleft of the rock, as you abide in Christ, may you, in the midst of chaos and worry, enjoy “the peace of God, which transcends all understanding” (Phil. 4:7). Always remember, joy comes in the midst of worry and stress through the person and peace of Christ!

Look at Philippians 4:6-7

Philippians 4:6–7 ESV

6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

*Peaceful contentment comes through Prayer.

Note: According to Paul how do we experience the peace of God. Paul say’s that it is through prayer and thanksgiving.

So, if you want victory over the worry and stress in your life, Paul’s prescription is “in everything pray.” Let you request be known to God. Don’t miss the words, “in everything.”

Be Careful: Don’t just pray during times of crisis. Often I only have people come and ask me to pray for them when things get really bad, but, when things are going pretty good prayer is not necessary.

THE PRESCRIPTION FOR PEACE

“By Prayer” - This is the devotion and trust to God.

“By supplication” - the narrow focus mainly on asking for Help.

“with thanksgiving” - This is the posture and attitude our prayer to God.

*Peaceful contentment brings a surpassed understanding.

Note: The World does not understand this kind of peace. We ourselves can barely fathom the peace we have been given. This makes the world pause.

THE RESULT OF PRAYER

“Peace that passes all human Understanding” - This is not a peace as the world see’s peace, when the world thinks of peace they think of being made happy. Happiness is not true peace. You can have peace in the middle of a really difficult situation.

Remember peace is not the absence of trouble. Jesus said that he came to bring a sword not peace. What did He mean by this statement. After that he indicated that the what He was bringing would put mother against daughter, and son’s against their father. Jesus was indicating that things were going to get worse for Christians because of His sacrifice.

*Peaceful contentment keeps watch over your heart and mind.

“Will Guard your Hearts and Minds” -

Isaiah 32:17 ESV

17 And the effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever.

Note: the peace that guards our hearts and minds is a result of the redemptive work of Christ on the Cross.

Romans 5:1 ESV

1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul uses a military term “will guard.”

Meaning that the peace we get in the middle of the chaos “will keep guard over you”. I have used this illustration before, but imagine that God is your over-watch. God is on 24/7 fire watch for you. The king of kings and Lord of Lords is constantly on watch.

Note: We must be careful that we do not limit this to merely a peaceful feeling it is more the picture that the peace of God is strong enough to master even the greatest anxiety that you might have, or mend the most broken relationship you are experiencing right now.

The next part of Philippians 4 gives us the action that should be associated with the peace that we have experienced knowing that God is our over-watch, our rear guard.

Philippians 4:8–9 ESV

8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

Note: This is how peace guards your hearts and minds, it is when the peace of God is actively lived out in our conduct. How we carry ourselves as believers. We do not go through life wringing our hands and full of dread about tomorrow, or how are we going to make it through this crisis.

“Finally” - take into account, allow these tings to shape your conduct. This word seems to continue the peace of God in verses 8-9. This is where discipleship is so important in shaping the peace of God in your life. Notice Paul reminds them what they have learned, heard, and seen in his own life. We need these relationships to shape us and form us into content believers in Christ.

Isaiah 11:1–10 ESV

1 There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit. 2 And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. 3 And his delight shall be in the fear of the Lord. He shall not judge by what his eyes see, or decide disputes by what his ears hear, 4 but with righteousness he shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; and he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked. 5 Righteousness shall be the belt of his waist, and faithfulness the belt of his loins. 6 The wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the young goat, and the calf and the lion and the fattened calf together; and a little child shall lead them. 7 The cow and the bear shall graze; their young shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. 8 The nursing child shall play over the hole of the cobra, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the adder’s den. 9 They shall not hurt or destroy in all my holy mountain; for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. 10 In that day the root of Jesse, who shall stand as a signal for the peoples—of him shall the nations inquire, and his resting place shall be glorious.

Between 1820 and 1849 , during the last thirty years of his life, the Quaker sign painter-turned-preacher Edward Hicks created more than one hundred versions of this subject, an allegory of spiritual and earthly harmony based on Isaiah 11:6-9:

"The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. And the suckling child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice's den." In the multiple versions of his composition, Hicks both closely followed the scriptural description and also added imagery symbolic of Quaker belief and Pennsylvania history.

In the background at left, for example, William Penn enacts his treaty with the commonwealth's native inhabitants in a composition appropriated from Benjamin West's painting of the scene (see 1878.10) While originally produced as visual sermons for Hick's family and friends, the painting's technical simplicity and deep-felt message of unity have charmed generations of viewers of all ages since the painter's rediscovery during the early twentieth century.

The painting by Edwards Hicks of course poses difficulty since you would never see children in the middle of leopards, or tigers and wolves with sheep lying down together.