Do we really understand peace? Peace is a word with many dimensions. We talk about having “peace in Korea” or “peace on earth” or finding some “peace and quiet.” However, do we know the forgotten dimension to peace?
A recent conversation on this topic reminded me that peace has many dimensions. If a true peace is to be found either on the Korean Peninsula or within your community or within your life, these dimensions must be explored.
War
Peace is more than an absence of war between people. It goes beyond an interpersonal level to our relationship with God. In the Bible book of Isaiah chapter 9 it describes Jesus as the “Prince of Peace.”
Later in chapter 52 it explains, “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, ‘Your God reigns!’”
All these concepts are interwoven: God’s kingdom, good news, salvation and peace. At its core is Jesus. This is the point made in Matthew chapter 5 verse 9, “Blessed are the peacemakers.”
Jesus is the supreme peacemaker. He makes peace between God and humanity, making it possible for peace between people and peace within oneself. These are the three dimensions of peace. And it is the first one that is the secret missing theme.
Peace with God
The foundation of peace flows from our peace with God. This first dimension recognises that we are at war with God. We often ignore Him and don’t meet His standards. Chances are we go through our days not thinking about Him much at all.
How rarely do we live for God, talk with God, try and please God in all our thoughts and actions, think about God more than ourselves, or spend our money focused on God rather than ourselves?
The Bible says we all fall short of God’s perfect standard. We don’t have peace with God and also are in conflict with others.
Jesus, as the Prince of Peace, came to end this war and reconcile us to God. Trusting in Him results in peace with our Creator. From this position, earned by Jesus, we have an opportunity to work towards peace within ourselves and with others.
We can then recognize our position as made in the image of God for His glory. Without this theme, any peace within ourselves or with others is missing its foundation.
As tensions rise in Korea, within our relationships and within ourselves remember the secret theme of peace with God through Jesus. His completed work and example provide a focus for our prayers and actions.
Jeremy Dover is a former sport scientist and pastor
Jeremy Dover's previous articles may be viewed at www.pressserviceinternational.org/jeremy-dover.html