Know the Things That Belong to Your Peace
“If thou had known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace.” Luke 19:42
As Jesus came into Jerusalem on the day we now call Palm Sunday, he rode on a donkey, reminiscent of Solomon riding into Jerusalem as king. The Roman Empire was an oppressive system that had taken over the land of Israel in about 40 B.C. Before, the Jews had lived in exile in Babylon and Assyria. Now the exile was in their own country, in the land God had promised to Abraham. Life there was filled with terror, disease, overcrowding, rioting and huge taxes. In the town of Sepphoris, just three miles from Nazareth and just four years before Jesus was born, there was a rebellion against Rome. The Romans burned the city to the ground and sold the survivors into slavery. So the atmosphere at the time Jesus was born was similar to being born in New York City just four years after 9/11 – one of fear and heartache. The people of Israel were desperate for their Messiah to come.
Knowing prophecies of the coming Messiah and King, the people shouted as He rode in, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord.” No wonder they rejoiced in the fulfillment of scripture that their Messiah and King was coming into Jerusalem. No wonder they thought he would immediately overcome the Romans and begin his reign of peace on earth. But He preached repentance, not a political takeover. This time He came instead to conquer sin. Instead of vengeance on their enemies He taught them about a kingdom where forgiveness and humility reigned.
When He approached, Jesus stopped and wept over Jerusalem. He lamented that they did not see, on this the day that their Messiah came, the things that belonged to their peace. Their peace did not rest in defeating Rome, but in a Savior who came to Jerusalem to die for their sins, their deliverance, their healing. To offer redemption. Later He would reign on earth as King.
We must know in this day, in this place, the things that belong unto OUR peace!
Where does our peace come from? What things “belong unto our peace?
Does our peace rest in politics or a problem-free life? In military strength or financial stability? In a good report? We Americans have certainly become accustomed to good news. I know I have. Does our peace depend on good news?
While the Jews of Jesus’ time looked for good news of freedom from the oppression of Rome, I’ve taken for granted the peace I’ve enjoyed in America. Jesus is telling me also, “know the things that belong to your peace. “
When the news is disappointing. When the news is terrifying. Even when the news is fake, the Lord tells us to remember!
“I shall remember the deeds of the Lord. Surely, I will remember Your wonders of old. I will meditate on all Your work and muse on Your deeds. What God is great like our God. You are the God who works wonders. You have shown your strength among the peoples.” Ps. 77:11-14
Remember the Lord!
Remember who He is
Remember that He is in control
Remember that He is with us
Remember His faithfulness
Remember that He will come again!
Remember that “He Himself is our peace.” Eph. 2:14
These are the things that belong unto our peace! They are ours for the remembering! Remembering is not passive. It requires a response of faith and worship. Lord, let us focus on the things that belong unto our peace!
Linda Boe