"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, they had lived in exile in Babylon and Assyria, but 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, huge taxes… In the town of Sepphoris, just three miles from Nazareth and just four years before Jesus 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.
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 overcome the Romans and begin his reign of peace on earth.
But 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 will 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?
“He is our peace.” Eph. 2:14. He – Jesus – is Himself our peace!
Because of Him, our peace consists of:
- Remembering who He is
- Remembering that He is in control
- Remembering that He is with us
- Remembering all He has done
Remember the Lord!
Psalm 77:11-14 “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.”
Rom. 8:35 "Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness or peril or sword? But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us."
Prov. 21:1 “The kings’ heart is like channels of water in the hand of the Lord. He turns it wherever He wishes”
And, finally ….
“ 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 belong unto your peace!
.
