The Peace Benediction:

Bless You

Wednesday, December 5, 2018

The Peace Benediction:

“Now may the Lord of peace h8mself give you peace at all times and in every way.

The Lord be with all of you.

 2 Thessalonians 3:16

               

              The peace the world offers is a temporary distraction,

not a permanent possession. This peace is usually based on deception, not reality and never really solves the problems of the heart. Ultimately true peace comes only when we are right with God and have His peace within. In order to have ‘peace with God we must have ‘peace through faith in Jesus.

              The world offers medications and treatments for those who are troubled and these buy a temporary fix for anxiety. Yet peace is what is desperately needed. A Christian’s inner peace comes from having a balance of knowing God and growing spiritually.  People often search for distractions to combat inner turmoil but these are only temporary. Only the Lord of peace can give peace.

              God’s peace is a Person- Jesus Christ yet as he approached the cross he brought division because people have to choose him. To receive God’s peace is to welcome Jesus for He is what is needed for the long term.

              Once receive Christ’s peace, we should share it  as we enter or leave a place and offer a blessing of peace so that the other person’s problems are minimal and solutions are found in Jesus.

              The Beatles 1969 hit “Give Peace a Chance” includes these words” All we are saying si give peace a chance.” Spiritually peace is a sure thing if the Prince of Peace reigns in our hearts. In this world—it is either Go to Pieces or Go in peace. And it is God’s people who can help to make a difference. Remember the prayer of St. Francis of Assisi== “Lord make me an instrument of your peace.” A daily prayer to be a blessing to others.

REFLECTION:
How crucial is it that the world finds peace?  When we hear of many natural disasters we respond with love and carefully share in peace but only  for a short time. But when something resembling normal comes we are often left alone. From where does your peace come? The Prince of Peace is on the way as we anticipate Christmas, do you know this Christ Jesus? He is our peace and the one who shall lead us.  As we continue in Advent, how might you offer this blessing of peace to others? How might you live it out?

PRAYER Bless us O God of peace and enable us to know Jesus and have within our hearts and minds. Enable us to experience your peace and your spirit as we share in this Advent time of preparation. Amen.

Next Week: “The Benediction of Hope” Romans 15:13

RESOURCE:

Warren W. Wiersbe.  Bless You: Receiving and Sharing the Blessings of the Lord. Grand Rapids, MI: Our Daily Bread Ministries, 8^th printing- 2018. (p.131-138)