THINK ON THESE THINGS

Most all know the lyrics of the familiar Christmas carol: “PEACE on earth and goodwill toward men!” from Luke 2:14.   However, the original language directs the blessing of PEACE toward those in God’s favor, alone.  PEACE is a Heavenly Fruit of the Spirit which is only savored by God’s favored.  Necessarily, we must understand what PEACE indicates, as we, most all, crave the condition.

PEACE is our ability not to unravel at the unexpected occurrences in life that are unpleasant, unplanned; and sometimes, we feel, unwarranted.  The PEACEful do not unravel, but learn to ask GOD what to learn from every circumstance.  Surrender to God, at long last!  Give Him your heart and ask Him how to react positively to each situation with grace and respect for everyone, with constructive but fearless correction. 

At times men felt at PEACE with himself and with some other men, there was not PEACE with God.  God wants us to most highly esteem our status with HIM—our PEACE with HIM.  He sent reminders of man’s actual condition.  Problems were to exemplify the state of their relationship with God much of the time.  Problems surely got their attention.  And us? 

In the Scriptures, the East wind disrupted the PEACE; it tore things apart, threw things here, and scattered them there.  The East Wind violently brought in anguishing chastisements; waves, locusts, scorching heat.  It tore up ships and ruined crops; it brought attention to displeasing behavior toward God.  (Exo 10:13; Ps 48:7; Ezek 17:10 & 27:26: Hos 12:1 & 13:15; Jonah 4:8; Hab 1:9)  The West Wind, when it came, was just as strong; it came to turn back the judgment the East Wind had brought, to undo the chastisement so PEACE would begin again.  The West Wind would come as the men-at-PEACE-with-God prayed according to God’s will (Exo 10:19).

God sent the North wind to stir up, to change the season.  It made that which is inside, which has been incubating be at last exposed to bring about a new season.  The South Wind brought that which was prayed for and pleasantly anticipated (Job 37:17; Luke 12:55; Ps 78:26-29).   The South Wind comes giving, bringing PEACE and warmth to comfort, though often only temporarily.  If we make good use of a South Wind, we let it take us to where we may have PEACE for the time we are appointed (Acts 28:13-15). 

At ZION, callers are welcome to call our prayer line at any time; and even when there is an East Wind blowing which calls for their attention to acknowledge that God exists, and that their hearts and situations need Him.  We pray for the turn of the wind, for the PEACEful wind to blow and turn the calamity away, to bring the calm, to bring what has been prayed for.  When God so mercifully answers the request, the caller is often asked to consider calling every day, to be at constant PEACE with God, to be sure not to require such a reminder of their need for PEACE with HIM, to develop a closer relationship with HIM.  Praise God, some develop a more trusting and faithful relationship with God.  We will be glad to pray with you to help you learn to develop your relationship with God and to learn to pray effectively.  Unfortunately, many wait until the next East Wind to call God, or us.

In the middle of the storm there is PEACE.  This is where the mature in Christ settle—in the PEACEful eye of the storm.  We marvel at how we are not torn apart and scattered, though we are affected.  It is the PEACE of God.  We still have relationship with God.  We still love HIM, and HE still loves us.  This is PEACE—a fruit of the Spirit.

Beware when all men speak well of someone (Luke 6:26).  This is no indicator we are at PEACE with God.  Do not fret when you are lied on or disparaged, persecuted or hated—this is no indicator that you are not at PEACE with GOD (John 15:20).  Jesus came to bring a sword against worldliness; but PEACE to those who love God (Matt 10:34).  

When at PEACE with God, not all men will not like you, but they will acknowledge a prophet was in their midst sooner or later.  The prophet Jeremiah was abused disgracefully, just for preaching the word of God to people who were not at PEACE with God. Jeremiah was confused and upset about what happened next.  He expected the people to be overjoyed about the truth being gracefully prophesied to them, about being informed as to their need to restore their relationship with God.  He couldn’t imagine their not being delighted to be told that God was merciful and would accept true repentance and give them another chance.  He was shocked anyone would not be gratefully relieved to be forewarned as to what would happen if they did not repent.  Not so.  What a surprise to him they were!  He was shamefully treated; mocked, derided, defamed, viciously investigated, convicted, imprisoned, thrown into a dirty, deep and miry clay cistern most men would have died in. Jeremiah wept and mourned.  The people who were not at PEACE with God were not at PEACE with Jeremiah, and certainly not his words.  Likely, the remnant who loved God prayed for Jeremiah but felt powerless to lift a natural finger.   At least that remnant received the warning to their benefit.  

Jeremiah was so upset at God during his many reproaches for prophesying God’s word to the rebellious, he almost lost his PEACE with God.  He said he wouldn’t preach any more because he felt God had tricked him.  But the Holy Spirit helped him.  He tried not to prophesy any more, but Jeremiah said the word of God to him was like “fire shut up in his bones” and that he could not NOT preach.  Jeremiah had to preach—the word would not stay inside him unspoken—his passion was unquenchable.  And he preached.  And he prophesied.  And he prayed—with FIRE!

The man-at-PEACE-with-GOD’s prayers riled up a storm.  In time, the severe East Wind blasted Jeremiah’s persecutors.  It shook them until it humbled them.  Though they did not like God’s words they knew a true prophet had spoken them.  The East Wind humbled them to desperation; so they lifted the true prophet out of the pit to prophesy to them and pray a West Wind or South Wind to blow PEACE upon them.  The story is in the book of Jeremiah; and it is a great read.

PEACE is knowing when I go to my knees at night or morning I can face God in PEACE.  My Creator is pleased with me.  Man may be with you today and not tomorrow.  Have PEACE with God and He will make your enemies be at PEACE with you (Prov 16:7).  This may not always be of love, but sometimes of respect, as with Jeremiah.  

A famous Bible woman, a foreigner, who sought PEACE with God, was Rahab.  Rahab began as a harlot who feared and respected God because she observed His works, and HIS goodness to and favor upon HIS children (Josh 2).  She began her relationship with God out of respect, and ended with love after getting to know God.  She wanted PEACE because she knew of God’s power and did not want to oppose Him, but to be on His side.  God is forgiving and loves and favors those who respect Him.  He grafted this woman into the ancestral lineage of Jesus Christ. 

Forgive.  For PEACE!  Those who do not forgive will have no PEACE (Mark 11:26).  Forgive and have PEACE in your heart.  Forgive yourself, even.  Those who hold one offense (that which you have apologized for) against you, yet sin 25 times against you to get even for the one offense, and hold debauchery in their heart against you—forgive them, but be aware of the spirit you are left with when you leave their presence.  Do not be indebted to the unforgiving.  Owe no man anything but love.  Love them.  Jesus’ blood and your apology and restitution have covered your offense.  How about theirs?  One key proponent to self-respect and self-esteem is to admire yourself for being a morally obedient-to-God person, a person of integrity and worth respecting.  Hold; keep your heart, for out of it flows the issues of life (Prov 4:23).  Keep your heart pure.  You will need forgiveness in due time, and surely do now.  Sow forgiveness for the minor infractions someone has committed before setting yourself up for payment of major offenses (Matt 23:18-35).