"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 a cruel and oppressive system that had taken over the land of Israel in about 40 B.C. The people of Israel were desperate for their Messiah to come!
No wonder 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 did not come as a conquering king - not this time - but to instead conquer sin.
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.
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 political agreement or a problem-free life? In military strength or financial stability? In a good report? We all long for good news!
“He is our peace.” Eph. 2:14. He – Jesus – is Himself our peace!
Because of Him, we know that our peace consists of:
- Remembering who He is
- Remembering that He is in control
- Remembering that He is with us
- Remembering His past faithfulness
- Remembering that He will come again!
Remember the Lord!
Ps. 77:11-14 exhorts us to remember Him! “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.”
In the book of Philippians Paul wrote "And, finally" Since the apostle Paul packs so much into each letter he writes, when he makes a point to indicate that "this sums it up" we would do well to give it our focused attention.
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Phil. 4:8
These are the things that reflect His character in everyday life.
….THESE are the things that belong unto your peace!
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