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SCRIPTURE READING
ACT 16:9-15
REVELATION 21:10, 22:1-5
JOHN 14:23-29

REFLECTION

Peacemaking is the theme of reflection. Peacemaking is the act of working towards peace and reconciliation among two parties. Peace in this context is having the right and fulfilling relationship with God. We shall reflect on the following facts:

1. To make peace with God we must obey the teachings of Christ.
2. We become agents of peacemaking when we spread the Gospel.
3. Those who have made peace with God will inherit the Kingdom of God.

Firstly, to make peace with God, Jesus has taught us to obey the Word of God. Disobeying God’s Word separates us from God and His love, hence Jesus teaches us that ““Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. 24 Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.” (John 14:23-24) Beloved in the Lord, sin and unrepentance sever our relationship with God and when we are separated from God, His wrath and destruction awaits us. To remain consistent in our obedience and relationship with God so that we can continue to enjoy His peace in our lives, Jesus assures us that “…the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 27 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 14:26-27) It is important to note that those who have made peace with God through a life of obedience will experience true peace which is known as “Shalom”. Shalom means the totality of well-being in all aspects of our lives and experiencing the glory of God even in times of challenges or turbulence. It is this kind of peace David felt when He wrote “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil,” (Psalms 23:4). Jesus came to make peace between us and God so that the peace of God will reign in our lives.

Secondly, having made peace with God through obedience to the teachings of the Gospel of Christ, we are called to become agents of peacemaking by sharing the Gospel for those who are beyond the walls of salvation to make peace with God and be saved. Paul was an agent of peacemaking he shared the Gospel with Lydia and her household and they were baptised and saved. Paul recounted. “One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message. 15 When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home.” (Acts 16:14-15) As part of the armour of God worn by the agents of peacemaking, Paul greatly admonishes us to have our  “…feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.” (Ephesians 6:15) Anytime the Gospel is preached and people are saved the wrath of God is taken away and they make peace with God. The Gospel is a peace-making tool for the preacher or evangelist. Those who listen and believe in the Gospel experience the regeneration and glory of God through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Thirdly, having accepted the peacemaking Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, His promise or assurance is that those who have made peace with God will inherit the Kingdom of God. This Kingdom of God was revealed to John when he wrote, ” No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. 4 They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. 5 There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign forever and ever.” (Revelation 22:3-5) We are greatly admonished to make peace with the Lord while His grace is still available to us. God has already given us a glimpse of this through John’s revelation. Let us make peace with God today through repentance and obedience so that we shall become beneficiaries of the eternal life in Heaven.

In summary, we have learnt that to make peace with God we must obey the teachings of Christ. Again, we become agents of peacemaking when we spread the Gospel. and last but not least, those who have made peace with God will inherit the Kingdom of God. May the Holy Spirit empower us to make peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ even as we await promise of eternal life. Amen.