I slept through Hurricane Hugo on the couch in my parents’ living room under an open window. A tree fell, missing my car by inches. The wind left our yard strewn with downed limbs and debris but I was completely unaware until morning. To this day, I love a storm. I’m grateful for shelter, of course, but the power of the elements loosed are such a vivid reminder of omnipotent God. When the followers of Jesus witnessed His authority over the seas, their estimation of the greatness of God grew as well.
“And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling.
But Jesus was in the stern, asleep on a pillow.
And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?”
Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!”
And the wind ceased and there was a great calm.
But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?”
And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, “Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!””
Mark 4:37-41 NKJV
https://bible.com/bible/114/mrk.4.37-39.NKJV
“Peace, be still!”
Other translations use words like quiet, hush, silence. Jesus stilled the elements with a word. The wind and waves responded to their Creator in immediate obedience. I laugh thinking of my own attempts to shush my barking dogs while my grand babies are napping. I am no more successful trying to silence my crying granddaughter in the middle of the night so her parents can sleep. I shush and cajole and often my attempts are rewarded, but other times I am helpless. It’s not always possible to maintain peace.
In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.”
Matthew 5:9 KJV
https://bible.com/bible/1/mat.5.9.KJV
We who are God’s children by faith in Jesus Christ are called to be peacemakers. We are to actively work to maintain peace, whether between nations, groups, or individuals.
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
Romans 12:18 NIV
https://romans.bible/romans-12-18
If it is possible.
As far as it depends on you.
I am accountable to God for what depends on me.
I am dependent on Christ Jesus for what is possible.
“For God in all his fullness was pleased to live in Christ, and through him God reconciled everything to himself.
He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of Christ’s blood on the cross.”
Colossians 1:19-20 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/col.1.19-20.NLT
God, in Christ, has done all that is required to ensure peace. He has made a way for us to be in perfect, eternal relationship with Himself. He put on human flesh and walked among us in response to the disciples’ query, “don’t You care that we are perishing?” He showed the extent of His concern when He stretched out His arms on the cross, taking the nails, experiencing death followed by glorious resurrection.
“But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility
And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near.
For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.”
Ephesians 2:13-14, 17-18 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/eph.2.13-18.ESV
He is our peace. He has broken down the dividing wall of hostility. We have access to God the Father in Him. We have fellowship with our brothers and sisters in Him. His peace, which is beyond our ability to understand, guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7)
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.
I do not give to you as the world gives.
Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
John 14:27 NIV
My proper response is to seek Peace and pursue it. Seek Him while He can be found. (Isaiah 55:6) Pursue Him. (James 4:8)
“We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.
Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame.
Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.
Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up.
After all, you have not yet given your lives in your struggle against sin.”
Hebrews 12:2-4 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/heb.12.2-4.NLT
“Turn away from evil and do good.
Search for peace, and work to maintain it.
The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers.
But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil.””
1 Peter 3:11-12 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/1pe.3.11-12.NLT
“Don’t just pretend to love others.
Really love them.
Hate what is wrong.
Hold tightly to what is good.
Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.
When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them.
Always be eager to practice hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you.
Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them.
Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep.
Live in harmony with each other.
Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people.
And don’t think you know it all!
Never pay back evil with more evil.
Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable.
Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.”
Romans 12:9-10, 13-16 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/rom.12.9-16.NLT
“Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me” (Miller,1955)
Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. (Matthew 6:10)
Come, Lord Jesus! (Revelation 22:20)
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