This time of the year we talk a lot about peace.
I love this clip from Miss Congeniality (Sandra Bullock, 2000).
It’s almost cliché now, this idea that world peace is even possible in
our lives. In 1969 John Lennon and Yoko Ono sang a song called, Give peace a
chance (listen here) And while it was an anti-war protest song, at the heart of the message
was the idea that humanity has a role to play in the peace of the world. Maybe
John and Yoko were getting to the heart of a theological dilemma.
Is peace possible?
This past year has seen an increase in incident and an in intensity in
racial and social upheaval in our country. Covid-19 has been a peace-stealer
for a lot of people. Wars are commonplace for many nations in the world, and
even though we aren’t technically “at war” as a country at the moment we have
over 150,000 US troops currently stationed overseas. There are political wars
in the Middle East, the economic wars in several countries in Africa, the race
war that continues to be fought, the drug wars in Mexico and South America,
there is just such war, and division all over the world.
And we haven’t even begun to talk about our own inner struggles. The
tensions in many families, depression and anxiety. We are a culture that is the
most stressed out of any people to ever live. There are even members in our
United Methodist Church who want the Church to separate next year because we
can’t agree on how our doctrine should reflect our understanding of human
sexuality. And we’ve been fighting amongst ourselves every General Conference
since 1972.
Is peace even possible?
Let’s try to get a good definition of peace. Because it’s not just the
absence of conflict. I have seen family members who are great mediators in the
midst of a family feud. It’s not just the absence of pain. I’ve seen chaplains
who embodied a peaceful presence in the midst of suffering and dying.
Peace is not so much about what’s happening—OUT THERE, but rather what is
happening—IN HERE, inside our hearts and minds.
When the Bible talks about peace, which it does over 300 times, it uses a Hebrew word called Shalom. In fact a common greeting during this time was “Shalom Aleichim”, which means “Peace be with you.”
The rabbis define Shalom as
completeness, and soundness, as an ethical state of mind. The Apostle Paul said
Shalom was a fruit that comes from living a life grounded in the Spirit, and
the author of Hebrews said that Shalom is something that we are all to strive
toward in our living to be at peace with everyone.
Jesus said the shalom-makers, the peacemakers, those who actively work
toward the pursuit of peace are blessed, and will be called the children of
God.
But is peace possible? In our world and in our lives?
There is an old hymn that proclaims, “Let there be peace on earth and let
it begin with me.”
Psalm 85 is a wonderful picture of peace in the. Verse 8 says, “I will
listen to what God the Lord says, he promises peace to his people.”
I believe that God is speaking to each of us right now, in this moment.
But if we aren’t listening, how will we ever hear him standing at the
door knocking?
How will we ever hear him saying you are my beloved in whom I am well
pleased?
How will we ever him reminding us we were created in his divine image?
And how will we ever hear him say my peace I give to you. I do not give
as the world gives, so do not let your heart be troubled, and do not be afraid?
Unless—we are listening?
When the heavenly choir arrived on the scene at Jesus’ birth this is how
Luke describes it: “Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with
the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth,
peace, goodwill toward men” (Luke 2:13-14).
Peace on earth. Offered through the Prince of Peace. That’s a beautiful
image.
But read how Psalm 85 describes it: “Love and faithfulness meet together,
righteousness and peace kiss each other. Faithfulness springs forth from the
earth, and righteousness looks down from heaven” (Psalm 85:10-11)
Perhaps peace is not found in a treaty or a contract, but in a…kiss.
Only a poet would describe it this way. But maybe that’s how we are meant
to understand peace.
Is world peace possible in our lifetime? I believe yes it is! But peace
is the promise of God to his faithful servants.
If you don’t know Jesus as the Lord of your life then peace isn’t
possible.
But if you do then peace is a fruit that the Spirit is cultivating in
you, so work with the Spirit. Pray for peace. Seek after peace. Work toward
peace.
And then, in the
words of the Apostle Paul to the Philippian churches, “may the peace of God,
which surpasses all understanding, guard your hearts and minds through Christ
Jesus, Our Lord.”
Shalom Aleichim.
