June 3, 2024
Melissa Valerio
“The more humble and obedient to God a man is, the more wise and at peace he will be in all he does.” -Thomas à Kempis
We often hear people give their reasons for universal unrest in the world (and in our own personal lives), and then follow up with their solutions. All we need is “more love”, or “more understanding”, or to “hold your tongue”. We need “more happiness in our lives”, “more acceptance of others”, a “healthier lifestyle”. All these are good goals, but they’re not the answer to a problem that’s been plaguing humanity since Eden. The “more” we need isn’t a character trait, per say. The “more” we need is a Person. Very simply, we need more Jesus in our hearts. The Bible even tells us so: “The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the young goat, and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them.” (Isaiah 11:6 MEV) This image that Isaiah describes is of a future Earth when all livings things will have the peace of God rest upon them. But it’s also for now. The little child, who grew up to be the Savior of the world, brings peace between known enemies, just by being present. Jesus closes the gap between two opposing groups and helps us see other individuals as cherished people, made in the image of God, just as we are.
Jesus came to reconcile us to God, whom we ourselves were enemies to. If He is able to make peace between man and God, then surely, He can make peace between man and man. Peace between the “opposing” groups that we, as humanity, have divided into categories. Man vs. woman; black vs. white; rich vs. poor; old vs. young; educated vs. layman. We have created the separation that has made this world a place of unrest no matter what country you visit. But Isaiah knew something about the future of this world that he shared with us 2700 years ago. Jesus would come to bring peace between people and nations; and between us and God. Until Jesus comes to reigns on the Earth with complete righteousness, we can allow Him to rule in our hearts now, with complete authority. And experience the peace that only His presence can bring.
Prayer: Loving Father, the world tries to trick us into thinking peace is conditional — dependent on circumstances, people involved, level of hardship, or chances of victory. But we know peace is only found in Your Son, Jesus. It’s actually dependent on His presence in our lives and hearts. Help us turn to Him in all situations and invite Him to take care of everything that worries us. In Your Son’s precious name, Amen.
Action: According to Genesis 3:15, there are two kinds of seeds in this world; the seed of the woman (those who belong to God), and the seed of the serpent (those who belong to Satan). This means we are natural enemies with each other. Jesus died for everyone, including His enemies (that was each of us before we came into relationship with Jesus). Let’s honor His sacrifice by choosing to love even our enemies and live at peace with them. And if you haven’t yet asked Jesus to be your Savior, today is your day to move from enemy to child of God. Ask Him into your heart today.