Daily Word: Peace with Everyone? Hebrew 12:14

Terri GillespieDaily Word Leave a Comment

Pursue shalom [peace] with everyone, and the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. Hebrews 12:14, TLV

 

Peace with Everyone?       Are we to have shalom — peace — with everyone? It is interesting that this verse is tucked within instructions on how to accept discipline from God, our Heavenly Father.

This reminds me of Jeremiah 29. Remember verse 11: “For I know the plans that I have in mind for you,” declares ADONAI [the LORD], “plans for shalom and not calamity—to give you a future and a hope.”

The context of both verses is living through a difficult time of discipline. In Jeremiah, the Jewish people were to go into exile — to the pagan Babylon. In Hebrews, it is directed to all followers of Jesus — Jewish and Gentiles — who are running the race of faith in a pagan world.

Here’s the interesting part . . .

Here’s the interesting part. In both cases, “they” are to live in peace as best they can. In Jeremiah 29, Israel was to build homes, plant gardens and enjoy their fruits. Get married, have children, and multiply. Live in peace and even pray for peace for this pagan Babylon.

So, in both passages living in peace while going through a difficult time — whether it is discipline or just life — it is part of God’s process.

It is Difficult

For us today, it is difficult to live in shalom with those who don’t want anything to do with our Biblical values.

Some might say we should do the opposite of living in peace. Because, if we don’t fight back, then we compromise our faith and values. Ironically that is what the false prophets of Jeremiah’s time no doubt said.

For thus says ADONAI, the God of Israel: “Do not let your prophets who are among you or your diviners beguile you, and pay no attention to the dreams which you make them keep dreaming. For they prophesy falsely to you in My Name; I have not sent them.” It is a declaration of ADONAI. Jeremiah 29:8-9, TLV

What if God has a bigger plan than we can imagine? What if we can live in peace without compromise? Wouldn’t we want to seek Him about how to do that?

If we can take Yeshua at His word, then being a peacemaker is important.

“Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they shall be called sons of God.” Matthew 5:6, TLV

I am going to meditate on these two chapters. See how to live this command by our Lord. Because honestly, it seems counterintuitive to following the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob as demonstrated by His Son. Yet, there it is.

Think More About It

How do we walk in peace with others when they seek to break us? Your thoughts?

Until tomorrow, may we walk in peace.

 

Pray for Israel

I said to ADONAI: “You are my God!”
Hear, ADONAI, the sound of my supplications.
God my Lord, the strength of my deliverance,
You shield my head in the day of battle.
Grant not, ADONAI, the desires of the wicked.
Do not let their evil plan succeed,
or they will exalt themselves. Selah. Psalm 140:7-9, TLV

As I write this, Israel and Hamas have a ceasefire. The second round of hostages were released. Is this peace? Only GOD knows. Israel has the responsibility to protect her citizens. It comes as great cost, and Israel knows only too well how precious one life is.

LORD willing, the remaining hostages will continue to trickle back home to their loved ones. Today’s prayer is another declaration. Let’s pray aloud and agree with these promises. Amen? God bless you.

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