April 25, 2004

OUR PEACE

"For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility" (Ephesians 2:14, NIV).

Our portrait of Jesus today is as meaningful as it is beautiful. The apostle Paul declares that Christ "himself is our peace" (Ephesians 2:14, NIV).

Throughout the Bible, there is an array of titles that associate Jesus with peace. Peace is always linked with the Messiah. He is described as the God of peace (see 1 Thessalonians 5:23), the Prince of Peace (see Isaiah 9:6), the Peace giver (see John 14:27), etc. Each of these titles depicts a particular aspect of Christ's peace role in the plan of salvation. But in a unique sense, our title today transcends all other peace titles given to Jesus. Paul depicts Him as more than the Peace giver, more than a Peace maker, or even more than the Prince of Peace. Rather, "He himself is our peace" (Ephesians 2:14, NIV). It is what Christ did and what He is that give us peace. Christ is peace personified, the very embodiment of peace. Since He Himself is our peace, those who have Him, have peace and are therefore at peace with one another. That's why there can be no hostility or dissension among those who are in Him.

This peace is both personalized as well as personified. Jesus is our peace. This gives a personal touch to the peace relationship between us and our wonderful Saviour. By being our peace before God, Jesus has effected peace among those who are in union with Him. To have Him, who is our peace, is indeed to have the peace that surpasses all understanding. "This peace is not something that He gives apart from Himself. It is in Christ, and we can receive it only by receiving Him."--Ministry of Healing, p. 247.

My Prayer Today: Lord, because Christ is my peace, I have peace with You and peace with my brothers and sisters. Amen.