The God of peace

Now may the God of peace—

who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus,

the great Shepherd of the sheep,

and ratified an eternal covenant with his blood. Hebrews 13:20 NLT

Peace is what humanity longs for. Real peace can only be obtained by having a personal relationship with God. Peace is inherent to the nature of God. Aside from our text today, God is called “the God of peace” at least five other times in the New Testament (see Romans 15:33; 16:20; 2 Corinthians 13:11; Philippians 4:9; 1 Thessalonians 5:23). The writer of Hebrews referenced two marvelous aspects about the peace of God. First, it is God’s gift that provides inner tranquility and second, it is to provide wholeness in a person’s well-being. God’s peace is more than the absence of war or conflict but a state of being complete. Once bestowed with this peace from God, there is a realization of assured future and hope. “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11). This promise of peace was given to the people of God just before they were led as captives by the Babylonian. This means that though they will be going through difficulties under the Babylonian bondage, God’s peace within will not be taken. Same thing with the believers addressed by the writer of Hebrews, they are being rest assured that no matter what happens, God will be with them to calm their hearts. No calamity, no storm will sink you! It is His peace that He personally gives to those who trust Him. “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid” (John 14:27). This peace was obtained for us through the atoning sacrifice of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He renewed our hearts through the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. “He saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior” (Titus 3:5-6). We have God’s Word once we come to Him and surrender our lives to his Lordship. This is our encouragement: remember, that whatever comes to our life, no matter how powerful the storm is and how high the seas, God’s Word will never fail us. “‘When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Silence! Be still!’ Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm. Then he asked them, ‘Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?’ The disciples were absolutely terrified. ‘Who is this man?’ they asked each other. ‘Even the wind and waves obey him!’” (Mark 4:39-41).

Blessings,