Isaiah 41:17-43:13 / Ephesians 2 / Psalm 67 / Proverbs 23:29-35
Leave me in peace. I just need some peace and quiet. The peace of God. May she rest in peace. A peace that passes understanding. Perfect peace. World peace. Peace of mind.
Have you ever taken time to study the word peace and find out what it really means? We may think it means quiet or the absence of chaos in our lives, and that is true. Did you know there are different words for “peace” in scripture? I’ve written previously about the word Shalom. Today I want to explore a different word for peace: Eirene, pronounced i-ray-nay.
Ephesians 2:14-17 TPT Our reconciling “Peace” is Jesus! He has made Jew and non-Jew one in Christ. By dying as our sacrifice, he has broken down every wall of prejudice that separated us and has now made us equal through our union with Christ. Ethnic hatred has been dissolved by the crucifixion of his precious body on the cross. The legal code that stood condemning every one of us has now been repealed by his command. His triune essence has made peace between us by starting over—forming one new race of humanity, Jews and non-Jews fused together in himself!
Two have now become one, and we live restored to God and reconciled in the body of Christ. Through his crucifixion, hatred died. For the Messiah has come to preach this sweet message of peace to you, the ones who were distant, and to those who are near.
Let’s begin with a definition of Eirene – a state of national tranquility, (we could certainly use some of that!) exemption from the rage and havoc of war, (yep, need that!) peace between individuals, security, safety, prosperity, and salvation.
Reading these definitions reminds me of another scripture from Romans 5:1 TPT.Our faith in Jesus transfers God’s righteousness to us and he now declares us flawless in his eyes. This means we can now enjoy true and lasting peace with God, all because of what our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One, has done for us.
Jesus is our only source for true peace. Those around us are currently crying out for and wishing we all had peace in the earth, but apart from God’s Spirit being allowed to rule, we will not have lasting peace. That first definition about national tranquility is interesting because some people think that peace is only within our inner self. This definition proves that God can bring peace into a nation.
How do you suppose God brings peace into a nation? Does He just speak and a blanket settles over everyone? Or does he put peace in the water, and we drink it? No, it is the job of the Church to be Christ in the earth. WE are the peace in the earth because we carry the Spirit of God. WE are love, joy, patience, kindness, the glory of God, and many other beautiful things.
I’ve talked a lot lately about the Church understanding both her identity and her role. It is vital that we get this. We are Christ in the earth. We are the peace and presence of God. Where we go, when we are operating under the control of God’s Spirit, we are bringing His solution to the world. And right now, the world needs what we have!
This is not a time to shrink back and be timid, or to forget who we are and become lazy. The world needs what we carry. They need our strength and courage, our confidence and yes, our peace. While the rest of the world cowers in fear, the Church is meant to arise in boldness with a deep inner knowing of who she was created to be.
Will you answer this call? Will you investigate God’s Word and hear from His heart, reminding yourself of who you are so you can shine in the earth? You are needed, mighty warrior. There are many around you who are fearful and unsure about what is happening. But no matter what is happening, we have the answer to every question, and His name is Jesus. Offer this answer today to those who are fearful, giving them courage.
