Colossians 3:15 says, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts…”
It is an interesting admonition in a way. When we think of someone ruling we tend to think of forcefulness. When we think of peace we tend to think of being left alone to do our thing. The two concepts could almost be seen as being somehow in opposition to each other.
But there is a very important spiritual principle at work here. As the old saying goes, there is no peace without victory. In order for us to have peace, all opposition must be subdued. It is in fact a biblical irony (one of many). We must surrender to the rule of Christ in order to experience true freedom.
The spiritual principle is not without parallel in the secular realm. The famous ‘Pax Romana’ or ‘Peace of Rome’ existed because of Rome’s ability to crush any and all opposition to its rule of law. The result was one of the greatest times of peace and stability the world has known and the time chosen by the Father to send His Son into the world.
The prophet Isaiah spoke of Christ, The Prince of Peace, saying:
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.”
Isa 9:6,7
That makes a strong connection between the peace that Christ will bring and His ability to ‘uphold’ it with His ‘reign’.
On a personal level, as those who would experience the Lord’s peace in our lives, we have to understand that the only way that this is going to happen is if we surrender to His Lordship of our lives.
Jesus taught His disciples to pray, “Let Your kingdom come, let Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” To pray that prayer with real understanding we must be willing that God’s will be done in our hearts and lives first and foremost.
We really need to come to grips with this fact – it isn’t just peace we need, it’s His peace. And His peace is not just the absence of that which would molest, it is the very presence of God.
Your comment "because of Rome’s ability to crush any and all opposition to its rule of law. The result was one of the greatest times of peace and stability the world has known and the time chosen by the Father to send His Son into the world."
ReplyDeleteWould you say then that when the Anti-christ sets up his kingdom with the ability to crush any and all opposition, that this again would be the opportunity for Christ's return to bring peace on earth? I think it would!
I hadn't really thought of that but you make a good point and the prospect seems quite plausible to me. We do know from Scripture that the world is going to think the anti-Christ is the answer to all their problems. So, yeah, I can see how that could happen.
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