Promise in the Prophets 143: Peace, Peace

143. Peace, Peace

Isaiah 57:19 I create the fruit of the lips; Peace, peace to him that is far off, and to him that is near, saith the Lord; and I will heal him.

The Lord promises peace: peace to the one who is far off and to the one who is near. Peace from God, the peace of God, covers everything everywhere. “Those near” most likely refers to the Jews and all those who are closer to the revelations of God to the people of earth. “Those far off” most likely refers to those who are farther away from the revelations of God. The peace of God even reaches to those about whom we ask: “But what about those who have never heard?” It is not possible that anyone is out of reach of the natural revelation of the Creator God, if he is living on earth. God promises peace to all people. God loves everyone.

Peace is our inheritance and gift from God. When Jesus was born peace came to all the earth: the angels proclaimed “Peace on Earth”. With Jesus, peace is available for all people: peace with God, peace from God, and the peace of God. With the coming of Christ, God is with us. With the entrance of God into our lives peace is extended to the hearts and lives of all who will accept it.

One result of “peace to all” is that the Lord will heal him.Healing comes from the Lord; healing is a result of peace; peace is a result of Jesus’ coming. We may claim this promise of peace, peace. Peace is ours; it belongs to us as a gift. Because of our faith in Christ there is no good reason to lose our peace. No one can take it away from us no matter what they do to us, although we are allowed to release it and let it go from us if we choose to follow a selfish path. However, we may get it back at any time by repentance and faith in the Gospel.

The Lord creates the fruit of the lips: He is the One who gives us words of blessing to speak. We speak words of forgiveness, love, kindness, grace and blessing to others (and to ourselves). This kind of fruit of the lips engenders peace. Jesus proclaimed: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” The Peacemakers in this Beatitude include all of us, for everyone wants peace, wishes for peace, and yearns for peace. God creates the fruit of the lips that make peace. And the promise for peacemakers (all of us) is that they shall be called sons of God. All peace comes from God; it is He who makes peace.