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Let There Be Peace

Let There Be Peace

By: Juliet Constantine

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” (Matthew 5:9)


Since it’s inception in 1901, many individuals and organizations have been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for the part they played to enhance peace on Earth. The compilation of awardees can be easily found on the internet; but, the awardees that I will always remember are The United Nations and Kofi Annan in 2001. They were instrumental in negotiating peace in a time of much unrest. I would like to think that their vision statement was “let there be peace”. God was pleased. He is always pleased when we play our part to effect and maintain peace. It’s His nature.

Yahweh Shalom, the Lord is Peace, is the name given to Gideon’s altar to the Lord as recorded in Judges 6:24. The record noted that because of Israel’s disobedience, God allowed them to be perplexed by the hands of the Midianites. The conquering and blessed Israel was in dire strait. The land of their inheritance was invaded and impoverished by the Midianites. For seven years, the invasion destroyed their crops and livestock. With their “backs against the wall” the Israelites cried out to the Lord of Peace for help. God answered. He chose Gideon, the least among the tribes, to save Israel from the hand of the Midianites. The Angel of the Lord assured him, “Peace! Do not be afraid. You are not going to die.” And from his response, Gideon was prepared to let there be peace.

“Blessed are the peacemakers,” Jesus taught. “They will be called the children of God.” The satisfaction felt for making peace is a happy, fulfilling one-- especially when your efforts are successful. But the meaning behind Jesus’ words goes much deeper than just making physical peace. Jesus wanted people to know the true Source of Peace. People who share the Source of Peace with others He called “peacemakers”. Jesus came to reconcile lost humanity to God. He came to make peace. He was the first peacemaker and a worthy recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize. He is our peace.

Finally, we are encouraged that as much as is possible, we should live peaceably with all. When we strive for peaceful resolution to our conflicts, we will be seen as peacemakers and will be called children of God. Today, He is saying to you and me, let there be peace. Let there be peace in our homes, in our offices, in our churches, and in our communities. Most importantly, let there be peace in our hearts.

Similar to the call to Gideon, to be a peacemaker, He is calling you to share His peace with others. Just as how He brought about peace for the Israelites, He will bring about peace in your situations. He is the author of peace. He said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. 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) Let there be peace.

Dear Father, thank You for Jesus’ sacrifice on our behalf to bring peace to our perplexed situation. Please help us, in all we do, to strive to be peacemakers. Help us not to be afraid to choose the side of peace. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

Copyrighted by Juliet Constantine 2014 (for “Alone With God – Finding Jesus In The Scriptures” Daily Devotional)

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