Apologetics

PEACE VARIOUSLY CONSIDERED

by Morris Inch
08/12/16
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PEACE VARIOUSLY CONSIDERED

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Pope Francis recently observed that the current conflict is not among religions, for all religions advocate peace. Even if that were true, they greatly differ on how peace is to be achieved. In Muslim context, it is associated with submission. Apart from submission, conflict will continue. It remains to determine the implications of this mandate, which is variously understood.

"Peace I leave with; my peace I give you," Jesus declared. "I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid" (John 14:27). "For the Greeks (as for us) peace was essentially negative, the absence of war. But for the Hebrews it meant positive blessing, especially a right relationship with God. This is to be seen in the Old Testament, and it is carried over into the New" (Leon Morris, The Gospel According to John, p. 584).

The peace that Jesus gives serves as an earnest of things to come, when the kingdom of God is fully realized. As pertains to a thorough well-being, instead of simply a cessation of hostilities. Or as I have commented on occasion, the train runs on time, every time. This is obviously not the case at this point, regardless of claims otherwise.

Christians have especially been singled out for persecution. In an effort to make them conform to some religious or secular establishment. Not uncommonly as an appeal for peace, defined in terms of submission.

Conversely, the divine agenda allows persons to accept or reject his gracious initiatives, and experience the results of so doing. So it was that Adam and Eve left their privileged residence in Paradise, for much less favorable conditions. But even then, they were not forsaken.

Does government play a role in the divine economy? Decidedly so, but less pervasive than the tyrant would have us believe. The prime concern as commonly understood is to provide security. Assistance may be provided in other regards, but not as to encourage persons to expect others to do for them what they refuse to do for themselves.

The peace Jesus advocates acts to curtail fear. While not uncommonly, the peace promoted by others is driven by fear. Fear of the consequences if we do not yield our freedom to those thought to be more insightful. Fear of attack from without, and discord within. Unrelenting fear, as driven by adverse circumstances.

However, in Christian perspective: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him who have been called according to his purpose" (Rom. 8:28). One is assured by Jesus that this is the case. Not that all things are favorable in and of themselves, but provide an occasion in which God may work out his gracious purposes in our life. If not evident initially, then not uncommonly on reflection. If not, ultimately when life is cast into perspective with its consummation.

I am reminded of a devout women who was critically ill. Her family gathered to share her last moments with them. But she had slipped into a coma, making conversation impossible. Suddenly, her eyes opened. Gazing around her, she saw several family members gathered in her bedroom. Sensing the reason for their presence, she asked that her family gather around her. When they had done so, she observed: "Do not be concerned for me, since I am about to finish my course, and enter heavenly bliss. But I am concerned for some of you, who have not made a decision to follow Christ. Unless you do so, you will come to a dead end." Having made a final effort to encourage their response, she again slipped into unconsciousness, and soon passed away.

This, in turn, recalls a time when my wife and I lived in Jerusalem overlooking the Hinnom Valley, said to having given rise to Jesus’ imagery concerning hell—since trash was burned there. Sometimes late in the afternoon, having put in a full day in my office, I would descend into the valley to look for pieces of broken pottery—some dating to the time of Jesus. It was with this in mind, that it occurred to me that hell accommodates such as no longer serve God’s gracious purpose in glorifying him and enjoying his blessing. While heaven, by way of contrast, offers peace not as the world perceives it, but as experienced in Christ.