Peace is Available

O. T. #2087 "Peace is Available"

Dec. 15, 2021

Joel 3

LET IT GLOW

If there is one thing we need in our lives, homes, nation, and world, it is peace. Here are a few verses that use the word peace.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee. (Ps. 122:6)

The word peace, in Hebrew is the shalluwn (shaw-lome'), means safe, well, happy, friendly, rest, all is well, be well, wholly.

The world cannot provide this kind of peace. Real peace comes from faith in God. To find peace of mind and peace with others, you must find peace with God.

The psalmist was not praying for his own peace and prosperity, but for his friends and family in Jerusalem. Isn't this intercessory prayer? How often do we neglect praying for others, but focus on our own needs and desires?

We are to pray for Jerusalem, also, for it is the Lord's beloved city and people. It is the place He chose for His King Jesus and for the worship of His name. (Ultimately, those prayers will be answered when Jesus comes back to reign as King, and it will be in Jerusalem.

[Resource: Life Application Study Bible; The Tony Evans Bible Commentary ]

In Isaiah 9:6, Jesus is the Prince of Peace. The book of John tells us about peace:

Jesus said, 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)

This word peace, means rest, quietness, prosperity, in the Greek language.

Other verses in John includes 16:33; 20:19, 26; Luke 2:14, 29; Galatians 6:22.

A heart for God will surely be a heart filled with praise and prayer.(Wiersbe)

Dear one, do you have the peace that only God can give?

 

LET IT GROW

The beginning of Joel 3 speaks about the judgments coming upon Israel. God will deal with the nations of the world for the way they have treated His people Israel.

Joel gives three important announcements:

1. Nations prepare for judgment!
2. Nations prepare for war!
3. Nations prepare for defeat!

What the nations have done to the Jews is scattering them, selling them into slavery, plundering the land of its wealth, and taking what belonged to the Lord using it for their own gods. This happened with Babylon, Assyria, the Greeks and Romans.

A great future battle will take place in the Valley of Jehoshaphat (the Lord judges), which is  the Battle of Armageddon, according to Revelations 16:16) Nations will unite against the Lord and His Christ (Ps. 2:1-3) but we know who wins-the Lamb of God who becomes the Lion of Judah and Victor.

So believers need to pray for peace of Jerusalem and witness to them that Jesus is indeed their Messiah and Lord.

[Resource: The Wiersbe Bible Commentary]

LET IT GO

Prince of Peace, fill us with Your joy and peace.

You have everything under control.

Thank You, Jesus, for leaving Your home in heaven so it can  one day be our home. such love and sacrifice.

Glory to God in the Highest!

And peace to you, friend.