kingdom travelin'

We read in Is. 9.6 about the Prince of Peace. One of Paul’s letters was written to encourage people living in a time of confusion, threat and discouragement. (Sound familiar? Yeah, I thought so.)

Paul’s answer to the struggles of the people of Colossae was this: Jesus brings peace, set your mind on him.

In that letter, in the first chapter, there is what we think is an early song. It is found in verses 15-20. The last two verses, what feels like the third stanza to me if I think of it as a song, are these wonderful words:

“For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.” (Colossians‬ ‭1:19-20‬ ‭ESV‬‬)

Later, the apostle goes on to help us see what to do:

“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” (Colossians‬ ‭3:2‬ ‭ESV‬‬) In context, the previous verse reminds of that Jesus is seated at the right hand of the Father (Cf. Mark 16:19) advocating for us (Cf. Isaiah 59:16, Romans 8:34).

So, as we reflect on the already – not yet, let us set our minds – through the disciplines – on Jesus, the bringer of peace, the Prince of Peace.

Yesterday we simply looked at Jesus promise about peace from John’s gospel. Today Paul described the ultimate nature of peace.

“Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭5:1‬ ‭ESV‬‬

The coming of Jesus brings peace, peace between me and God. It is when that peace fills me that I can begin to have peace with others. It’s not a magic wand, an instant change, it’s a process of development. When I grow in my appreciation of this peace with God I can really start to grow in peace with others. This is the work of the Spirit, and is why peace is one on the fruits of the Spirit. (See Galatians 5:22-23)

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”
‭‭John‬ ‭14:27‬ ‭ESV‬‬

It’s a very familiar verse. Maybe one of the seasons most well known and rightfully beloved.

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

I suggest also reading the minimum context in verses 1-7.

The greatest peace is not between neighbors, tribes or nations. It is with God. When I am at peace with God I am better able to be at peace with others. Jesus came that we may have peace.

Join me in thanking God for peace.

We live in the already, not yet time and sometimes it’s confusing. It is the ‘already time’ because Jesus 1st Advent – his incarnation already blessed us. It is the ‘not yet time’ because we are still waiting for his return, the second advent of Christ.

In the ‘already’ Jesus was conceived by God in the virgin girl, Mary. He is 100% God and 100% human so as to accomplish his many great works. He fulfilled over 600 OT prophesies, was tempted as we are, yet did not sin, died for us, rose and now sits at the right hand of the throne of grace. He brought peace. It is ‘not yet’ because we are waiting for his promised return.

In Colossians we are reminded of the greatness of Jesus peacemaking on our behalf.

1:15-16 Jesus is the eternal Creator. We can trust him because he is greater than all our circumstances.

1:17-18 Jesus gives us life and he is our head, we can trust him and give him our lives.

1:19-20 Jesus is the peacemaker. He made peace with God possible to we who are naturally rebellious (Genesis 3:15).

For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. (Colossians 1:19-20, ESV)

May we daily remind ourselves of the greatness of Jesus as we abide, marinate, soak up the reminders found in the word of God.

Today begins the second week of Advent reminders. One tradition holds that the theme of this week is peace. What better prophetic text for peace that this familiar and great promise of God?

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

The eternal Son of God would come to bring peace between God and his people. The Apostle Paul gives a clear explanation of this in Romans 5:1-11.

https://bible.com/bible/59/rom.5.1-11.ESV

Thanks be to God for his work on our behalf to bring us peace! May we lift up the name of Jesus, the Prince of Peace!