The Treaty of Kadesh in 1258 BC, between the Egyptian pharaoh, Ramses and Hattusilis III, holds the distinction as the world’s first peace treaty. As I write this, some 760 years later, various peace treaties are being pursued worldwide, and yet, all pale in comparison to the ultimate peace treaty, made possible by the sacrificial death and resurrection of Christ Jesus, the Son of God.
This week, as I read the devotional from Joni Eareckson Tada, I was reminded of the truth of Romans 5:1-2,
Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
Peace Be with You by Joni Eareckson Tada
“On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you!’ After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.” John 20:19-20
The disciples were huddled together, shaking in fear for their lives — doors were locked, curtains were drawn, and lights were dimmed. Suddenly out of nowhere, Jesus appeared in the middle of the room and announced, “Peace be with you!” This was no happy-go-lucky greeting like, “Hey everybody, I’m here!” He wasn’t offering the disciples mere peace of mind by His presence. When Jesus said, “Peace be with you,” He pointed to the wounds in His hands and side for a reason.
For Jesus to gesture to His wounds was another way of saying, “Friends, look at these scars. They mean that the war is over. There is no longer any conflict between God and man. I have satisfied the Father’s wrath against you and the good news is, I am your peace treaty. These wounds in my hands and side are evidence of the price I paid for peace between you and my Father. Peace on earth and good will toward men has finally been secured through my cross. And the proof of it is, I’m here. I’m alive!”
What difference does the Prince of Peace make in your life? Jesus says in John 20:21, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” The peace that Christ offers is not for our pleasure only; God is sending us to go tell the world that the war is over, the white flag is raised, the treaty has been signed and eternal peace has been secured. The proof? Simply point people to the wounds of your Savior.
May Your peace rule in my heart today, Lord God. Give me courage to tell others they can have peace with God through Jesus Christ.
Blessings,
Joni and Friends
