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REFLECTION

The theme for our reflection is “Peace comes through Jesus Christ” Peace comes through Jesus Christ means we experience wholeness or fulfilment through our relationship with Christ, who is our Lord and Saviour. Zechariah 9:9-10 prophesies a future king who is righteous, brings salvation, and is humble, arriving on a donkey colt instead of a warhorse. “…He will proclaim peace to the nations. His rule will extend from sea to sea and from the River to the ends of the earth. (Zechariah 9:10) This king will speak peace to the nations, and his rule will be worldwide, ending the era of war by eliminating chariots, warhorses, and weapons. This passage is seen as a dual prophecy foretelling Jesus’ humble first coming to Jerusalem to proclaim the Good News and to heal the sick, forgive sins and liberate those who were spiritually oppressed. Again, Zechariah’s prophecy foretells Jesus’ powerful second coming to establish global peace. 

Beloved in the Lord, Jesus is the embodiment of peace, and it was demonstrated through His earthly ministry. In a broken world of uncertainty and anxiety, knowing Jesus gives us peace and hope for a better and eternal life. Anyone who encountered Jesus, especially those who had faith in Him, experienced physical and spiritual restoration and wholeness. Jesus assured of His peace when He said, “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, 19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.” (Luke 4:18-19) The Apostles experienced and confirmed this truth when Peter preached in the house of Cornelius, “You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, announcing the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. 37 You know what has happened throughout the province of Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached— 38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him. 39 “We are witnesses of everything he did in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem…All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.” (Acts 10:36-39, 43). In other words, through Christ we experience both physical and spiritual peace or existential and eternal peace through repentance, forgiveness, regeneration and faith in Him. This is the wholeness of Jesus’ peace. It is different from the peace, money, power, and wealth given. Indeed, the peace that the world gives is ephemeral. Jesus has assured us, 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) He is the only one who can give this peace even in times of trouble and uncertainty. It is for this reason that Paul wrote to the Philippian Christians, he prayed, “…the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7)

Dear friend, irrespective of whatever you are going through as you read this reflection, may your faith in Jesus Christ cause you to experience the peace of Jesus that transcends your challenges, pains and frustrations. May the peace of Christ grant you physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual wholeness to remain steadfast in Him until your peaceful and glorious departure from this earth.

In summary, without peace, life is meaningless; therefore, we are greatly emboldened to put our trust in Jesus because true peace is through Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. Shalom.

PRAYER

Lord Jesus Christ, may your peace never depart from us, for you are our companion, comforter and shepherd in whom we live and have our being. Amen.