NEW TESTAMENT READING PLAN: Matthew 16-18
SCRIPTURE READING
Romans 5:1 (ESV); Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with
God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
As was highlighted earlier this month, justification is the legal transaction that Jesus made
for sin on the cross. Because of Jesus’ role in the courtroom, we now have peace with God
through Him.
Peace is an often overlooked benefit of the cross, yet it is priceless. All one need do is turn
on 30 seconds of the news to see that the world is in desperate need of peace. But peace
of a nation is not enough; we need peace in the hearts of every man and woman. Of course
many people strive to find “inner peace,” but it is all self-empowerment and is thus in vain.
True inner peace will never be found apart from God. As Paul wrote, our justification has
brought us peace WITH God. The problem of humanity is not ignorance, as many would like
to believe; the problem with humanity is sin, and the broken relationship that follows as a
result. Therefore, true peace will only be found when broken relationship is reconciled; that
is, when one finds peace between himself and God, the Father. This is what we have gained
through the cross, and this peace between us and the Father can now be transferred into
every area of our hearts and lives! The world is working backwards, searching for peace
in their hearts before they’ve found peace with God, and such effort will always lead to
emptiness.
PRAYER and MEDITATION
1) How have you seen a difference between someone who has found peace with God, and
someone who searches for peace within themselves? Meditate on today’s devotional and
spend time in thanksgiving for what has been accomplished for you.
2) Are you guilty of looking within yourself for peace? Ask God to reveal any guilt and
confess it.
3) How does God want to take the peace that you have through Him and use it to bring
peace to others? How can you actively bring the peace of God into every room you enter
today?
