Many people, most people, in the world are looking for it. Governments and nations spend energy, time, money, and people to secure it. Military and weapons are often used to maintain it. Some leaders attempt to attain and maintain it through diplomacy or appeasement. Yet, in spite of all of these efforts “peace” is not realized. Nor, even with these efforts, can it be realized. The meaning of the word as used in the New Testament scriptures is, “to set at one again.” It is extremely difficult, if not impossible, to accomplish this kind of peace among nations or even among individuals.
And yet, Jesus gave this peace to His followers. Humans are at odds with God – actually, at war with God. We are, by choice, enemies of God. But, Jesus told His followers that He had “set them at one again” with God.
“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27
“These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
Jesus knew of His betrayal and crucifixion that would occur in just a few hours, but He still told His followers that He was giving them peace. He was setting them at one with God. He admonished them to not fear; there would be trouble, but He had it under complete control.
The followers did not at that time fully comprehend what Jesus was telling them. Remember, they were all afraid and ran when Jesus was arrested. They were not in attendance at the trial. After the crucifixion, they were hiding in fear. But He had told them not to fear. He told them not to be troubled (anxious). He told them to be happy because He was in control. It did not appear to them that He was in control; after all, He was dead. Three days later when Jesus rose from death, He came and talked to His followers. It was at that time they began to understand what He had been telling them. They were beginning to understand that peace.
That peace is something we need to understand as well. The followers had many troubles and problems after Jesus’ resurrection and ascension. They were beaten, threatened, and killed, but they showed remarkable peace. They knew they were set at one with God and that He had everything in complete control. We also have troubles, problems, unpleasant circumstances (not often to the same extent as did those original followers) in our lives, but the promise and gift of peace is given to us as well. We are set at one again with God. Is there any circumstance, any problem, any trouble that can overpower or overshadow the fact that we are set at one with God? When we latch onto that fact, when we fully entrust ourselves to it, there is nothing that happens in our personal lives or anything happening in this world that can overpower our peace.
Paul explained it like this:
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose. . . . What shall we say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? . . . Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. . . . Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation (trouble), or distress, or persecutions, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? . . . Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:28-39
In the same book Paul mentioned the same peace that Jesus gave His followers:
“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” Romans 5:1-2
You are set at one again with God. Can anything happen to dwarf that peace? Did you lose a job? Are you suffering some financial hardships? Have you been diagnosed with some feared physical condition? You are set at one with the almighty God. Do things seem to be coming apart in your personal relationships? You have been set at one with God, who builds relationships with His followers. Are you afraid of what may happen in your country or around the world? You have been set at one with almighty God, who sets up rulers and takes down rulers. Are you concerned that you may be persecuted because you are a believer, a Christian? You are set at one with God. He will protect and strengthen you.
Paul wrote the following in his letter to the Philippians,
“And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds, through Christ Jesus.” Phil 4:7
Realizing that you are set at one, joined, with God gives you comfort and control that others cannot understand. How can you stay calm in the middle of the storm (whatever the storm may be)? It is because you are joined, set at one, with God, Who has complete control of the storm.
Break the Bread 