In a dark and dingy cell, a young man lay on the floor. Hearing a noise down the dimly lit hallway, he rolled to his side and noticed that his back was numb from the cold floor. Taking a breath, his nose twitched from the smell of damp mold and human waste. The noise got louder and two guards appeared at his cell door. “Let’s take this one,” spoke the first guard. They unlocked the door and each took hold of an arm as they pulled the young man to his feet. “You’re coming with us,” the second guard said, with a smirk. Stumbling as they walked, a door opened and bright sunlight flooded through, temporarily blinding the young man.
He had been arrested nearly a month before, simply because it was found out that he was a Christian. He had given his life to the Lord after hearing the good news from a disciple that had come through town preaching. He had been so overjoyed with this new experience that he could hardly wait to tell his friends. He had been overheard by a Roman soldier and he was immediately arrested for spreading what they considered “propaganda.”
The man hadn’t seen sunlight since his arrest, so when his eyes became accustomed to it, he took a look around, unsure of why they had thrust him through the door and quickly closed it behind him. He heard the sound of a large crowd, and suddenly realized where he was. He prayed, “Lord, please give me peace in my predicament.” Just as he finished, he felt a presence behind him. The crowd rose to their feet with a cheer of excitement as the lion quickly overtook him, and instantly tore him to shreds.
How could he ever find peace in being attacked by a hungry lion? Today we seek peace. Men strive to be rewarded for their peaceful efforts. Yet, the more we hear of peace, the more we hear of wars breaking out, rumors of possible wars being fought, attacks on children by deranged shooters in schools, and terrorist attacks on innocent people. Where is peace? How can we ever hope for peace in the midst of turmoil?
At the birth of Jesus Christ, a host of angels appeared in the heavens saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”(Luke 2:14). God sent His son to bring peace into the world. But two years later, King Herod took the lives of all male children in Bethlehem in attempt to kill this new King. Later in His life, Jesus said, “My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27). Many have come to Him, seeking salvation. Many have chosen Christ in order to find peace. Yet, the world is in terrible trouble. Where is peace?
Most feel that peace means the absence of problems, and bliss between people. Some feel peace is found in accepting people despite beliefs that will send them to eternal destruction. They feel we should keep our mouths shut as Christians and allow them to be who they are. Others think that we will find peace if we accept any lifestyle others want to live. But even if it would be possible for us to find peace that way, it will never offer lasting peace for the ones we have refused to correct.
If this be the case, just what is the definition of peace? Jesus said in the quoted verse that He would give us peace. But in another instance, He said, “Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword.” (Matthew 10:34). What? How could He say He gives peace on one hand, but then brings division on the other? Just how does He define peace anyway?
The coming of Christ absolutely does bring peace into the world. It isn’t the kind of peace the world thinks it needs but what it actually needs. You see, when Adam sinned in the Garden of Eden, he became responsible for bringing all the war and conflict that has ever been in the world. Sin is the reason for the absence of peace. When Jesus came, lived and died, then arose from the tomb, He alone was responsible for making it possible for mankind to once again have peace. That is also why He said that He would give His peace – the peace that can reunite the world. He said, “not as the world gives …” because His peace becomes the only true and lasting peace possible.
He brings the “sword” instead of “peace” because men in this world don’t want the peace of Christ but their own definition of peace. It brings conflict because men want peace without Christ, and frankly, there is no true, lasting peace without Jesus. Attempting to bring peace without Jesus Christ has never worked, and never will. It causes a sword – war and death.
When we become a Christian and allow Christ to really change us like He said that He would, then regardless the war and trouble that happens all around us, despite pain, suffering, sickness and death in our own lives, we can have peace in our souls because we know something the world cannot know without Jesus. We know that He has already won the war and that lasting peace doesn’t necessarily happen in our world, but in our individual lives. The young man that died by the claw of the lion in the Roman arena, had a peace the world cannot comprehend nor understand. He died with peace in his soul. Just so, we can have peace despite all the wrong happening in our world today. But only if we make Jesus Christ the Lord of our lives.
Do you want peace? You can have it. But there is only one way. That way is Jesus. Come experience real peace today. Re-define peace to its true meaning. You won’t be sorry and it will change your life forever.
— Jerry D. Ousley is the author of “Soul Challenge”, “Soul Journey”, “Ordeal”, “The Spirit Bread Daily Devotional” and his first novel “The Shoe Tree.” Newer books include “Finality” and “Dividing God’s Church.” Visit our website at spiritbread. com to download these and more completely free of charge.