Peace to Reign

Dear Church Member,

• Read - Isaiah 32:1-4

 As a Christian, how do you view yourself? Why were you created? What’s your purpose?

“Oh, I’m not sure,” some will say. “I’m trying to find God’s will.” I’ve heard this all my life, said it – more than once. I don’t say it anymore. I can’t, and if you finish reading this, you may not be able to either – at least not truthfully.

You see, God has told us why He created us. We may not accept it, may not even believe it, but it’s right there in scripture. Let’s look at the beginning.

• God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”  (Genesis 1:28)

The Bible is the story of God’s relationship with humanity, and the story starts out with us ruling. It kind of sounds like royalty or something. Cool. God created us to rule.

Now, let’s check out the end of the story. In Revelation chapter 22, the story is again talking about humanity. It says:

• They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever. (Revelation 22:4-5)

So, at the beginning of the book we rule, and at the end we reign. That’s what you were created for, to rule and reign. What? Me? Are you sure? We are not the King – God alone is King. But as His children, we are princes and princesses. Do you view yourself like that?

We have to reign like Jesus does, in righteousness. And in peace. Listen to Isaiah’s description of you.

Behold, a king will reign in righteousness,

    and princes will rule in justice.

Each will be like a hiding place from the wind,

    a shelter from the storm,

like streams of water in a dry place,

    like the shade of a great rock in a weary land.

You have a purpose. You are to be a refuge for others. You are a place of peace.

Too many of us live as if we are to provide the drama in life. Instead, God wants you to protect others from the swirling chaos in their lives. We are not supposed to be a tidal wave, nor get caught up in a flood of emotions. When the world is throwing too much for others to hold on, we – the children of the King – are supposed to provide peace.

But not just during the storms of life. We are also a refuge when something is missing. When an acquaintance is shriveling up from a lack of love, you are a rippling brook of love, bubbling into their life. The day you became a child of the King, you became a prince or princess of peace. Begin today to see yourself like that, to live your life as if it’s true. That is your MISSION.

Follow Him with me,

Darin