Some of us may remember the 1960s as an era of peace demonstrations. Crowds would gather and demand change in social and political structures that were seen as unjust. More recently in the U.S., the Tea Party and the Occupy movements have echoed similar calls for change. Though we may be on different points of the political spectrum, most agree that our society is broken and in need of renewal. Indeed, Jesus shares a desire to bring restoration into our world. The full renewal of all society for good is what the Bible calls peace.
Biblical peace (shalom) is a robust picture of the world functioning as God intended. This is a world of right relationships between nations and peoples, where society flourishes and is prosperous, where the culture advances and the creation is well cared for. This wholeness is what we long for. As Christians, we are called to be God’s agents of peace. We are called to work in banks, classrooms, boardrooms, playgrounds, and dairy farms seeking the renewal of God’s world.
But true peace is not a human endeavor. It’s our response to the God who is the ultimate peacemaker. God is so committed to making peace with a fallen world—with us—that he endured the willing death of his Son so that our relationship with him might be restored.
God has made peace with us; how will you participate in God’s mission of peacemaking today?
Lord, guide us as your children to be peacemakers so that your world may know peace. Amen.
About the author — Rob Toornstra
Rob Toornstra has served as pastor of Sunnyslope Christian Reformed Church in Salem, Oregon, since 2006. When not busy with pastoral duties, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Amy, and their three children.
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