by Albert Erisman | SPU executive in residence emeritus and senior fellow, Center for Faithful Business
Jesus came with a promise of peace.
At the time of his birth we read,
14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2:14
Yet Jesus spent much of his life with others plotting against him.
In the upper room with his disciples, before he went to the cross, and he said,
27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14: 27
Yet one of his disciples betrayed him, another denied him, he was given a sham trial, and he was hanged on a cross between two thieves.
How is this peace?
While Jesus laid the groundwork for eventual peace through his life, death and resurrection, perhaps the near-term application is a bit different. While in this world, maybe he is calling us to bring peace and to have peace in spite of the circumstances. Remember, Jesus fell asleep in the midst of a storm.
Today we look around and see a polarized world. Not only are Christians regarded unfavorably but Christians are warring against other Christians and this extends even within families. Where then is this peace?
Perhaps Jesus has called us to live out this peace in spite of the culture around us. He is with us in this call and we should be his agents of peace. He said, “Blessed are the peacemakers.” How do we do this?
In Hebrews 12 we are given the commandment to “run with perseverance the race marked out for us, looking to Jesus.” The text is referencing examples from Hebrews 11 of those whose lives were fraught with anything but peace but they were agents of peace in their broken world[1]. Perhaps they anticipated the words of Paul who said in Romans 12:18
18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
I pray that we will be able to fulfill Romans 12:18 in this season of preparation and throughout the new year.
[1] Randy Pope and I wrote the book, Living with Purpose in a Polarizing World, Hendrickson Press, 2024 where we looked at the lives and biblical narratives that offer signposts for us on engaging with a polarized world.
