THE CALL TO LIVE IN GOD’S PEACE
Praise be to God! Friends, we are living in a world that glorifies chaos – noise, conflict, endless striving. But God never designed us to live restless lives. Peace is not the absence of trouble; it’s the presence of the Lord.
From Genesis to Revelation, the Lord has painted peace into His story with symbols that speak louder than words. Every dove that soared, every rainbow that shone, every lamb that bled – all pointed to one truth: true peace is found only in God.
Brethren, peace isn’t passive – it’s power under control. It’s knowing that even when storms rage, God still says, “Peace, be still.” It’s resting in His promises when everything else shakes.
These symbols of peace aren’t just ancient artifacts; they are living reminders that God is still writing peace into your story today. Let’s walk through Scripture and see how He has revealed His peace – piece by piece, symbol by symbol, until we see it all fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace.
1. The Dove – The Holy Spirit of Peace
Praise the Lord, the dove speaks of purity, reconciliation, and divine calm. When Noah saw the dove return with an olive leaf (Genesis 8:11), it wasn’t just the end of a flood – it was the beginning of peace.
When Jesus was baptized, the Spirit descended like a dove (Matthew 3:16), showing heaven and earth were no longer estranged. Christ Himself said, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you” (John 14:27). Friend, peace is not earned – it’s given. The dove still descends where hearts are yielded.
2. The Olive Branch – Restoration and Reconciliation
Thank You, Lord! The olive branch tells us that God never forgets mercy. From Noah’s ark to Paul’s writings, it represents being grafted into God’s family (Romans 11:17–24). Psalm 52:8 says, “I am like a green olive tree in the house of God.” That’s restoration – being planted where grace grows again. When you reach out your olive branch, you’re choosing restoration over retaliation.
3. The Rainbow – God’s Covenant of Peace
After the storm, God painted hope across the sky (Genesis 9:13–15). The rainbow reminds us that mercy triumphs over judgment. Ezekiel saw it around the throne (Ezekiel 1:28), and John saw it in glory (Revelation 4:3). Every color declares, “God keeps His promises.” Brethren, when you see a rainbow, remember: peace is not fragile – it’s covenantal.
4. The Ark of the Covenant – Peace Through Atonement
Praise be to God for the mercy seat! In Exodus 25:21–22, God said, “There I will meet with thee.” Blood sprinkled on that mercy seat (Leviticus 16:14–15) bridged heaven and earth. Hebrews 9:12 reveals the fulfillment: Christ entered once into the holy place, obtaining eternal redemption for us. Peace is no longer behind a curtain – it lives in your heart through Christ.
5. The Sabbath – Rest and Reconciliation
Thank You, Lord, for the gift of rest. The Sabbath wasn’t about laziness; it was about trust. God said, “Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy” (Exodus 20:8–10). Isaiah 58:13–14 calls it “delight in the Lord.” Hebrews 4:9–10 reminds us that “there remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.” True peace is resting in the finished work of Christ.
6. The Lamb – Jesus, the Peace Offering
Friends, behold the Lamb! Innocent, spotless, willing. Exodus 12:5 described the Passover lamb; Isaiah 53:7 foretold His suffering; John 1:29 fulfilled it – “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” Ephesians 2:14 declares, “He is our peace.” The Lamb didn’t just die to end hostility; He died to make peace a living reality.
7. The Altar of Peace Offerings – Fellowship Restored
Praise the Lord for fellowship restored! Leviticus 3:1 calls it a “sweet savour unto the Lord.” It was more than sacrifice – it was a shared meal, symbolizing unity (Leviticus 7:11–15). Now Romans 5:1 tells us, “Being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” The altar still stands – only now, it’s in our hearts.
8. The Shepherd – God’s Protective Peace
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want” (Psalm 23:1–2). What a declaration! The Shepherd leads, restores, and defends. Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd” (John 10:11). Hebrews 13:20 calls Him “the God of peace.” You’re not wandering alone; you’re being led beside still waters.
9. The City of Jerusalem – The Foundation of Peace
Jerusalem means “city of peace.” Psalm 122:6 says, “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.” Isaiah 2:2–4 shows the nations laying down weapons. Revelation 21:2–4 shows the New Jerusalem descending – peace made permanent. Friends, peace is not fleeing earth; it’s heaven coming down to stay.
10. The Tabernacle – God Dwelling Among His People
In Exodus 25:8 God said, “Let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them.” John 1:14 fulfilled it: “The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us.” And Revelation 21:3 promises, “The tabernacle of God is with men.” Peace isn’t just a visit from God – it’s a move-in.
11. The Cross – The Ultimate Symbol of Peace
Praise God for the cross! It’s where wrath and mercy kissed. Colossians 1:20 says, “Having made peace through the blood of His cross.” Ephesians 2:16–17 tells us that Christ reconciled all in one body. Isaiah 53:5 reminds us, “The chastisement of our peace was upon Him.” The cross stands as heaven’s loudest “I love you.”
12. The River – The Flow of God’s Peace
Psalm 46:4 says, “There is a river… that makes glad the city of God.” Isaiah 66:12 adds, “I will extend peace to her like a river.” John 7:38–39 reveals it as the Spirit’s work. Peace isn’t stagnant – it flows, refreshes, and overflows.
13. The Crown – Reward of Peaceful Righteousness
Faithful ones, lift your heads! 2 Timothy 4:8 promises “a crown of righteousness.” James 1:12 and 1 Peter 5:4 echo eternal reward. The crown is not for the restless but the steadfast – those who walked in the peace of obedience. Keep walking; your crown awaits.
14. The Fig Tree and Vine – Prosperity in Peace
Under the vine and fig tree, no one fears (1 Kings 4:25). Micah 4:4 says, “None shall make them afraid.” Zechariah 3:10 paints peace as fellowship and abundance. Peace brings security – where you can rest under what God has grown.
15. The White Garments – Purity and Peace with God
Revelation 7:9–10 shows saints clothed in white robes. Ecclesiastes 9:8 says, “Let thy garments be always white.” Isaiah 1:18 promises cleansing. When you walk in peace with God, He covers you in righteousness – the fabric of heaven.
16. The Mountain – God’s Eternal Peace and Reign
Isaiah 2:2–4 and Micah 4:1–3 proclaim that God’s mountain will rise above all. Hebrews 12:22 says, “Ye are come unto mount Sion.” Mountains represent stability – immovable peace under God’s reign. Praise the Lord, His peace is not seasonal – it’s eternal.
17. The Fruit of the Spirit – Peace Within the Heart
Galatians 5:22–23 lists peace as fruit. Romans 14:17 calls it the essence of the kingdom. Philippians 4:7 promises, “The peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts.” When the Spirit rules, anxiety must flee.
Isaiah 2:4 and Micah 4:3 envision a day when weapons become tools. Luke 2:14 proclaimed it at Christ’s birth: “Peace on earth, goodwill toward men.” God’s peace transforms destruction into productivity – He turns swords into plowshares in every repentant heart.
19. The New Heaven and Earth – Eternal Peace Restored
Isaiah 65:17–25, 2 Peter 3:13, and Revelation 21:4 describe the final peace. No more death. No more pain. Only righteousness dwelling forever. Praise be to God, that’s not a dream – it’s our destiny.
20. Jesus Christ – The Prince of Peace
Everything finds its center here. Isaiah 9:6 names Him “The Prince of Peace.” John 16:33 records His words: “In me ye might have peace.” Romans 15:33 blesses us with “the God of peace.” Every dove, every rainbow, every altar – all pointed to Him.
Friends, the symbols may fade, but the Savior never does. Let peace reign in your heart today – not as a fleeting feeling, but as the living presence of the Prince of Peace Himself.
Praise be to God – peace has a name, and His name is Jesus!
Call to Action: The Question That Demands an AnswerIn Acts 2:37 Peter and the Apostles were asked the question – What Shall We do? And in Acts 2:38 Peter answered, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. Do you understand this? After hearing the gospel and believing, they asked what should would do. The answer hasn’t changed friend, Peter clearly gave the answer. The question for you today is, Have you receieved the Holy Spirit Since you believed? If you’re ready to take that step, or you want to learn more about what it means to be born again of water and Spirit, visit: Come, and let the Spirit make you new. |
