It is commonly thought that the people of the East have a handle on how to live at peace. This is especially considered true of those who live in quaint mountain villages or high altitude monasteries. Many believe that peace is to be found at the feet of old eastern philosophers or in the shanties of long bearded hill people. The sad thing is that there are even Christians who ascribe to this thinking. This view is not only erroneous but also a disgrace to the work of the Lord Jesus Christ. Allow me to remind you of the words of the angel at the birth of Jesus Christ.
Luke 2:13, 14
“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”
With the birth of Jesus Christ finally came the opportunity for mankind to have real peace. By his perfect walk and obedience to God, Jesus Christ accomplished everything that was necessary for man to be at peace with God. He took all that was against man upon himself and opened the door for man’s salvation and redemption.
Romans 5:1
“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
The peace that the Lord Jesus Christ came to bring has nothing to do with calm water or gentle breezes. It has nothing to do with a quiet sandy beach or the gentle lapping of ocean waves. It has nothing to do with Buddhist meditation, Hindu pantheism or Catholic vows of poverty. The peace that Jesus Christ made possible is a peace on the inside. It is freedom from anxiety, worry and fear. It is a peace that is not dependent on the circumstances of life.
John 14:27
“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”
Certainly no one would argue that sitting quietly on a lonely beach or on top of some remote precipice has a physically calming influence. It might even help a person to reach a pleasant state of quietness. However, I challenge anyone to maintain that state once they are back home. Maybe you’re having marriage difficulties, maybe you’re out of work or maybe you suffer from depression. Do you seriously think that some man sitting cross legged in a village hut can help you then?
As soon as the gentle breeze turns into a tornado, as soon as the ocean waves turn choppy and as soon as the quiet mountain erupts into a flaming volcano, the peace of the world is gone. The peace that the Lord brings is anchored to the God that created the heavens and the earth. No wind can bend it. No wave can toss it. No devil spirit can steal it. Why not turn to the Lord Jesus Christ and be at peace with God? Why not accept the peace that the world can in no way give? Then whether you’re sitting thousands of feet above sea level in some mountain hut or stuck in the middle of rush hour traffic – you can just take your peace with you.