Peace on Earth?

This is me behind a pulpit at a church in Yucatan, Mexico. Peace is found only through the cross of Christ.

This afternoon, Tina Buchanan (our student ministry administrative assistant) and I were talking about "peace." Tina asked me a few questions regarding my thoughts toward this word. It was a fun interview to have on this cold Friday. After our conversation, thoughts of "peace" came with me upstairs to my office. This thought is still on my mind right now. What comes to your mind when you hear the word, "peace"?

When I was in middle school, I went to 6 flags (a theme park) with my cousin, Keith. While we were there, we had the idea of taking things from different stores without paying for them. Keith told me that he saw someone do it once and thought it was cool. Of course, in my willingness to submit to peer pressure, I gave in. After we went to a few stores, we met up with my mom and aunt. Of course, they knew we didn't have money. When they saw the items in our hands, it didn't take long that they realized they were stolen. I thought my life was over. Mom's face turned into the same color my skin was that day (i forgot to put on sunblock). I knew I was dead...I had to go home and tell dad. Yup, my life was over.

When we got home, I discovered what "peace" really means. My dad punished me for my actions, but still embraced me with love and forgiveness. I was disciplined, but given grace. He could've grounded me for years... but it was only for a month (or so). I'm grateful. (By the way, on a side note, I did return all the items to their stores). Dad showed me grace and mercy which led me to have peace within this terrible situation. He gave me back his trust. He never lost his love for me. He never gave up on me. Again, I experienced peace. I still do today.

This is the verse I shared with Tina today: "Grace, mercy and peace will be with us, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love" (2 John 3). I love this verse. John is writing to either a specific lady OR a church. This salutation is so encouraging. Look at the order of it with me. Grace, mercy AND PEACE. I believe there is a reason for that.

1. Grace looks at guilty sinners with an undeserved gift. (Charis: acceptable, benefit, FAVOR, gift, pleasure) Look at Romans 5:20, Ephesians 1:7.

2. Mercy looks at as; seeing that we are helpless and needy. (Eleos: compassion, tenderness, mercy) look at Matthew 5:3-5, Romans 11:30-32, Ephesians 2:4-5

3. Peace is the result of God's gift of BOTH! (Eirene: peace, rest, quietness, set at one again) look at Acts 10:36, Romans 5:1, Ephesians 2:14, Colossians 1:20.

When we receive grace and mercy from our glorious Father; through the cross of His only Son, we are given the undeserved gift of Peace! My dad could've easily punished me with the fullness I deserved, but yet held off and gave me his forgiveness. I still was disciplined, but yet the peace I had wasn't a causal, "thats ok son, many people steal." but a "son, you let me down. You broke our standards we set in our home, but out of brokeness and love I forgive you." That was the grace I received from my parents. I praise God for giving me parents that forgave me. Thank you mom and dad.

Do you have peace this Christmas? Do you have this gift of rest and quietness? I'm here to tell you today that you will only find peace once you receive the grace and mercy from the Father in Heaven. If you don't have or know about that peace, I recommend you to read the book of Romans and celebrate in the grace and mercy we receive!