Ezekiel 39:1-40:27 / James 2:18-3 / Psalm 118:1-18 / Proverbs 28:2
Have you ever looked up the meaning of your name? Or have you studied history to find people with your name; to find out who they were and what they accomplished? When it comes to our name, not all of us have a biblical counterpart. My name is not in the Bible, although Maria and Mary are enough similar that the meanings are the same.
Hubby Jeff’s name is also not in the Bible, at least not literally. But I found a verse today that reminded me of his nature. The name Jeffrey means peacemaker and my hubby is a peacemaker, bridge builder, and one who generally knows how to diffuse a terrible situation. He walks in a lot of wisdom, gentleness, and respect.
The verse that reminded me of Jeff is James 3:18, in the New Living Translation (NLT) it says, “And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.”
First, whatever we plant is what we will gather. The farmer analogy is helpful here. If one plants bean seeds, he will harvest beans. If beets are planted, beets will be harvested, and so on. That said, this scripture says that if one plants peace, they reap righteousness. Let’s explore those two words to see how they relate to one another.
According to Strong’s the word for righteousness in the verse above is the Greek word dikaiosyne (dik-ah-yos-oo-nay) and means in a broad sense: “State of him who is as he ought to be, righteousness, the condition acceptable to God. The doctrine concerning the way in which man may attain a state approved of God. Integrity, virtue, purity of life, rightness, correctness of thinking, feeling, and acting.”
Again, according to Strong’s Concordance, The word for peace is the Greek word Eirene (i-ray-nay) and means, “A state of national tranquility. Exemption from the rage and havoc of war. Peace between individuals, i.e. harmony, concord. Security, safety, prosperity, felicity, (because peace and harmony make and keep things safe and prosperous)… Of the Messiah’s peace: the way that leads to peace (salvation)… Of Christianity, the tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and content with its earthly lot, of whatsoever sort that is. The blessed state of devout and upright men after death.”
Yes, I gave you all the Strong’s definitions for peace because they were all good! When we are made righteous through Jesus Christ, we are acceptable to God and approved by God. We are only acceptable and approved because of Jesus Christ. Without Him, we would not be received. When we have peace, we are also made right with God. Remember: the way that leads to peace is salvation.
It makes sense that if we are right with God (righteousness and peace) we would plant seeds of that right relationship. As we continue to plant what we’ve already received through Jesus Christ, we will continue to harvest the same. This is another way of saying that our faith in Jesus Christ causes us to do good works.
I’m reminded of another verse that goes along with what we’re discussing.
Romans 5:1, “Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.” The New Living Translation, (NLT).
If there is nothing but chaos in your life, you may need to consider whether you are in right-relationship with God. Foundationally, have you received Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord? After that, we stay right with God when we examine our hearts and repent from the sin that Holy Spirit shows us.
1 John 1:9 tells us, “But if we confess our sins to Him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.” (NLT).It is possible, as well as fulfilling to one’s soul, to maintain a right-relationship with God. We have already been given His peace and His righteousness, so let’s continue to plant what we have been given.
