When I think about this verse, “peace talks” come to mind. Usually, when there are two warring countries, like Russia and Ukraine, there is a mediator, a third party, who tries to help the two enemies come to some sort of agreement, so that a ceasefire can be achieved.
When our children were young and were fighting over some toy, we would set each of them on a chair, and set the disputed item between them, and they could not get up off their chairs until they came to an agreement about how they would settle the dispute. The hardest thing for them was to have to sit on the chairs until they agreed. It was as if they could not find a way to make peace, because each wanted his or her own way.
In the same way, a reconciliation is needed between God and a lost world. Jesus tried to mediate between God and mankind, but in this case, Jerusalem rejected the peace terms. For those of us who understand how gracious God was in the terms that he offered, we cannot understand why peace was not achieved.
In a war-torn world, I wonder if the things that lead to peace are also hidden from our eyes? As Jesus wept over Jerusalem, knowing that they had refused His message and personhood (John 1:11-12), and that he would die a horrible death at their hands, I can also imagine a present-day Jesus weeping over our world, because we have not recognized the time of God’s visit. Instead, as a culture, we have chosen to go our own way (Isaiah 53:5-6).
The message of the gospel, when accepted and believed, leads to both personal and worldwide peace! But as long as men and women continue to think they have a better plan, eyes will continue to be blinded, and enemies will continue to attack and crush our cities.
What can we do? If they refused to see the truth that Jesus brought, and did not acknowledge him as the Son of God, will they listen to our message? It can seem hopeless, but for those of us who know the things that lead to peace, we need to continue to share those things with people around us, and to share our story of how God has brought peace to our lives.
If you don’t know the “things of peace” that Jesus referred to in today’s verse, perhaps you need to accept Jesus for the first time so that your eyes are no longer blinded. Or if you have accepted Jesus as your Saviour, you need to talk about these “things of peace” with someone:
- God loves you!
- You have sinned, so have fallen short of God’s perfection.
- Jesus came to die for your sins, so that you could be forgiven.
- You must accept Jesus as your Saviour, because He is the only way to God.
Heavenly Father, please show me how you desire to use me to bring about peace talks between you and my family and friends. Empower me by your Spirit to be your mediator in my world. Thank you for making it possible for me to be reconciled, at peace, with you.
Throughout this day: Prayerfully, ask God to give you a renewed sense of mission for a lost world, as you listen to this song, which has helped me gain perspective about the tears that Jesus shed for Jerusalem. LOOKING THROUGH HIS EYES | lyric video
Photo Credit: Volodymyr Leush