Exhortation and Repentance

The God of peace… Do you know him?

4 min read, approximately

“The LORD spoke to Moses, saying: Speak to Aaron and his sons and tell them: This is how you shall bless the children of Israel, saying to them: May the LORD bless you and keep you; may the LORD make his face shine upon you and have mercy on you; may the LORD lift his face toward you and give you peace. They shall place my name upon the children of Israel, and I will bless them.” (Numbers 6:24-27)

Peace is a state of harmony free from wars, conflicts, and setbacks. In truth, we all long for this tranquility and security in our country, home, and personal life. Yet people have spent much of their lives trying to obtain it by their own means. Whatever strategy we plan without God, we must remember that we are wasting our time and our efforts will be useless. God’s Word is clear about how we can find peace. First, we must understand that our God is the God of peace:

“The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and thoughts in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7)

, the Son is the Prince of Peace:

“For a child is born to us, a son is given to us, and the government will be upon his shoulder. His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)

And through the unity of the Holy Spirit we can have that bond of peace:

“I, therefore, a prisoner in the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all humility and gentleness, bearing with one another patiently in love, diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:1-3)

. The second thing we must understand is that

“Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, so death spread to all people, because all sinned.” (Romans 5:12)

, we were condemned and there was nothing we could do… But thanks to the fact that

“God sent a message to the children of Israel, proclaiming the gospel of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all.” (Acts 10:36)

He

“… came and announced the good news of peace to you who were far away and to those who were near.” (Ephesians 2:17)

. That is right… Someone was God’s instrument to proclaim to us God’s peace and reconciliation with the Lord: today in Jesus Christ we have redemption and forgiveness of sins. So,

“joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who made us fit to share in the inheritance of the saints in light, who delivered us from the power of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins.” (Colossians 1:12-14)

And third, God wants everyone to have the same peace he has given us!

“But beloved, do not overlook this: with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day. The Lord is not slow in fulfilling his promise, as some consider slowness, but is patient with us, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:8-9)

He does not want anyone to be lost:

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but so that the world might be saved through him.” (John 3:16-17)

… How different from the peace the world offers, isn’t it?

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give it to you as the world gives. Do not let your heart be troubled or afraid.” (John 14:27)

So let us understand that when we believe in God, throw ourselves into his arms, depend on him, and remain in him, his peace, which will never weaken, truly dwells in us! Therefore, every affliction, anguish, disturbance, panic, or fear is overcome by our steadfast faith in Jesus Christ! Are these 3 points clear to us? If so, wonderful! But… do we know someone who does not know the God of peace? Why not share him with them? (Romans 10:15) Then they too can have peace in the storm!

May God continue to bless you
and may you keep having an excellent day in Christ Jesus!
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